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When to plant Daikon in Mercer County, KY

For Mercer County, gardeners: plant Daikon March 30 through April 20 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Daikon in Mercer County, KY

Daikon is a large, mild Japanese radish that can grow over a foot long. It is excellent for pickling, stir-fries, and as a soil-breaking cover crop.

Mercer County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.

At an elevation of 1,559 feet, Mercer County receives approximately 54.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Daikon root diseases.

Mercer County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
196 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
196 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Mercer County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Daikon Planting Timeline — Mercer County, KY

Daikon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest May 25 May 25 – Jun 22
Fall Sowing August 17 Aug 17 – Aug 31

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August Fall Sowing
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.8–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

196 days in Mercer County

Growing Tips for Mercer County

Direct sow in late summer for fall harvest. Loosen soil deeply before planting. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart. Harvest before hard freeze as exposed shoulders may crack.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Hyssop

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Daikon in Mercer County, KY?

Mercer County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mercer County, KY?

Mercer County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 26.

When should I plant Daikon in Mercer County, KY?

In Mercer County, KY, plant Daikon after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mercer County, KY for Daikon?

Mercer County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Daikon grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Daikon grow in Mercer County's climate?

Yes — Daikon grows well in Mercer County's temperate climate. Mercer County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 26.

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Your Mercer County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Mercer County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Mercer County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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