When to Plant Daikon in Upshur County, WV
Top priorities for Upshur County, West Virginia gardeners in May
May is a pivotal month for Upshur County, West Virginia gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Upshur County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.
At an elevation of 3,001 feet, Upshur County receives approximately 44.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season.
Upshur County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 Upshur County
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 Upshur County is excellent for Daikon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). 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 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 09.
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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Upshur 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 — Upshur County, WV
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jul 8 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
172 days in Upshur County
Growing Tips for Daikon in Upshur County
Direct sow Daikon outdoors after April 29 in Upshur 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 Upshur County, WV?
Upshur County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Upshur County, WV?
Upshur County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 18.
Your Upshur County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Upshur County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.