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When to Plant Daikon in Johnson County, NE

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.

Johnson County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.

At an elevation of 658 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 21.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season.

Johnson County, NE (Zone 5b) Moderate season
166 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
166 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Johnson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.5

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 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Daikon Planting Timeline — Johnson County, NE

Daikon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 – Jul 3
Fall Sowing July 29 Jul 29 – Aug 12

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 Fall Sowing 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 5b

📆 Growing Season

166 days in Johnson County

Growing Tips for Johnson 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 Johnson County, NE?

Johnson County is in Zone 5b 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 Johnson County, NE?

Johnson County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 7.

🌱

Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson County (Zone 5b). 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 Johnson County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.