When to Plant Daikon in Claiborne Parish, LA
Top priorities for Claiborne Parish, Louisiana gardeners in May
Your garden in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
-
Pick daikon
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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.
Claiborne Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 229 feet, Claiborne Parish receives approximately 59.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°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.
Claiborne Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Claiborne Parish
How your county's soil matches Daikon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.3) overlaps with Daikon's range (5.8–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Claiborne Parish is excellent for Daikon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Daikon.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Daikon.
How to Plant Daikon
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Daikon
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 27.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Daikon
Daikon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Daikon Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Claiborne Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Daikon Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Daikon Planting Timeline — Claiborne Parish, LA
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 29 |
| Harvest | May 3 | May 3 – May 31 |
| Fall Sowing | August 27 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.8–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Claiborne Parish
Growing Tips for Daikon in Claiborne Parish
Direct sow Daikon outdoors after March 22 in Claiborne Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Daikon in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Daikon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Daikon in Claiborne Parish, LA?
Claiborne Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Claiborne Parish, LA?
Claiborne Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 5.
Your Claiborne Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Claiborne Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.