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When to plant Daikon in Suffolk County, MA

In Suffolk County, plant Daikon in spring between April 10 and May 1, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Suffolk County's last frost averages April 24, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between August 8 and August 22 — roughly 50–70 days before the first frost on October 17.

When to Plant Daikon in Suffolk County, MA

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.

Suffolk County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 984 feet, Suffolk County receives approximately 45.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season.

Suffolk County, MA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Suffolk County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.8-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

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 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Suffolk County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Daikon Planting Timeline — Suffolk County, MA

Daikon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 – Jul 3
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
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

176 days in Suffolk County

Growing Tips for Suffolk 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 Suffolk County, MA?

Suffolk County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Suffolk County, MA?

Suffolk County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Daikon in Suffolk County, MA?

In Suffolk County, MA, plant Daikon after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Suffolk County, MA for Daikon?

Suffolk 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 Suffolk County's climate?

Yes — Daikon grows well in Suffolk County's temperate climate. Suffolk County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Suffolk County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Suffolk 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 Suffolk County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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