When to Plant Daikon in Mississippi County, MO
Your May game plan for Mississippi County, Missouri
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Mississippi County, Missouri this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Bring in the daikon
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: daikon
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.
Mississippi County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 210 days.
At an elevation of 1,274 feet, Mississippi County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season.
Mississippi County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.6
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 Mississippi County
How your county's soil matches Daikon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.6) overlaps with Daikon's range (5.8–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Mississippi County is excellent for Daikon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Daikon.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). 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 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 19.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Mississippi 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 Planting Timeline — Mississippi County, MO
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 8 |
| Harvest | May 13 | May 13 – Jun 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
210 days in Mississippi County
Growing Tips for Daikon in Mississippi County
Direct sow Daikon outdoors after April 01 in Mississippi County 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 Mississippi County, MO?
Mississippi County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mississippi County, MO?
Mississippi County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is October 28.
Your Mississippi County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Mississippi County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.