When to plant Daikon in Old Appleton, MO
In Zone 7a (Old Appleton), direct-sow Daikon between March 27 and April 17 for spring, after the April 10 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Daikon in Old Appleton, MO
This month in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
June is a pivotal month for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Pick daikon
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
Old Appleton, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 880 feet, Cape Girardeau County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season.
Old Appleton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Daikon 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 Old Appleton
How your county's soil matches Daikon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) overlaps with Daikon's range (5.8–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cape Girardeau County is excellent for Daikon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). 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 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
Daikon 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cape Girardeau 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 — Old Appleton, MO
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
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 | — |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Cape Girardeau County
Growing Tips for Daikon in Old Appleton
Direct sow Daikon outdoors after April 10 in Cape Girardeau 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
When should I plant Daikon in Old Appleton, MO?
In Old Appleton, MO, plant Daikon after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Old Appleton, MO for Daikon?
Old Appleton sits in USDA Zone 7a. Daikon grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Daikon grow in Old Appleton's climate?
Yes — Daikon grows well in Old Appleton's temperate climate. Old Appleton averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 21.
Your Cape Girardeau County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cape Girardeau 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.