Blog

When to plant Daikon in Mathiston, MS

For Daikon in Mathiston, the safe spring window opens around March 9 and closes around March 30. Last expected frost is March 23, first fall frost November 7, giving a 229-day growing season. A second sowing from August 29 to September 12 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Daikon in Mathiston, MS

Webster County, Mississippi Zone 8a June

Webster County, Mississippi gardeners: here's your June plan

Your garden in Webster County, Mississippi is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.

Avg. last frost March 23
Avg. first frost November 7
Soil temp (4") 78°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.2 hrs
  1. Bring in the daikon

    If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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.

Mathiston, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.

At an elevation of 135 feet, Webster County receives approximately 56.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Daikon, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Daikon root diseases.

Mathiston, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
229 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
229 growing days
First Fall Frost November 7

Mathiston Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Daikon Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (146 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: May 10 – Jun 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (145 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 23 🍅 Harvest: May 18 – Jun 15
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (144 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: Jun 7 – Jul 5

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 Mathiston

How your county's soil matches Daikon's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.6–6.2) overlaps with Daikon's range (5.8–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Webster County is excellent for Daikon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Daikon.

How to Plant Daikon

0.5"
Planting Depth
6"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Daikon

5
successive plantings in your 229-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 29 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 29.

Daikon Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Webster County). 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 needs ~1,185 GDD — county provides 4,522 GDD Excellent fit

Daikon Planting Timeline — Mathiston, MS

Daikon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 30
Harvest May 4 May 4 – Jun 1
Fall Sowing August 29 Aug 29 – Sep 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.8–7 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

229 days in Webster County

Growing Tips for Daikon in Mathiston

Direct sow Daikon outdoors after March 23 in Webster County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Webster County's clay soil (28% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Daikon. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

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

  • Hyssop

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Daikon in Mathiston, MS?

In Mathiston, MS, plant Daikon after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mathiston, MS for Daikon?

Mathiston sits in USDA Zone 8a. Daikon grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Daikon grow in Mathiston's climate?

Yes — Daikon grows well in Mathiston's temperate climate. Mathiston averages a 229-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 7.

🌱

Your Webster County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Webster County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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