When to Plant Daikon in Mora County, NM
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.
Mora County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 6,818 feet, Mora County receives approximately 16.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Daikon will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Daikon successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Mora County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.4
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 | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Mora County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Daikon Planting Timeline — Mora County, NM
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Jul 31 |
| Fall Sowing | July 17 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
126 days in Mora County
Growing Tips for Mora 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Daikon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Daikon in Mora County, NM?
Mora County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mora County, NM?
Mora County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 25.
Your Mora County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mora County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.