Daikon Radish

Daikon Radish is a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines. Daikon resembles a large white plump carrot and is commonly eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. These cold-hardy radishes grow 10-16 inches long and are delicious steamed, braised, raw as a snack, and pickled. It grows easily in cooler temperatures and can be harvested in as little as 60 days, making it an ideal crop for those looking to enjoy quick, nutritious produce. Daikon is also highly valued for its health benefits, known for its digestive properties, and it contains essential vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to a balanced diet. Radish greens also make peppery salad greens or garnish. Also a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.

Also Known As: Giant White Radish, White Carrot, Japanese Radish, Chinese Radish, Korean Radish, Mu, Mooli, Radish Winter radish, Nitro Radish, Lo Pue, Luobo.

Plant Name:	Radish, Daikon
Latin Name:	Raphanus sativus var. Longipinnatus
Days to Germinate:	5-8
Days to Harvest:	50
Plant Height:	12 - 18 Inches
Spread:	6 - 12 Inches
Growth Habit:	Root
USDA Zones:	2-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 12 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

If planting in a garden bed, radish can be planted more densely, at a rate of 16 plants per square foot.

Planting:

Plant radish in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked and the soil reaches about 45F. For fall crops, direct sow seeds 8-10 weeks before the first average frost date. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 4 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Radishes can also be double-planted (planted in pairs) down the rows. Plant 1-3 seeds per hole, planting 2-3 seeds if choosing to thin to the strongest plant. When thinning, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. You may make several plantings 8-10 days apart for a steady supply of radishes. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/2 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	4 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once seedlings are established, 2-4 weeks after planting, you may optionally apply a complete fertilizer, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Read and follow fertilizer instructions for best application. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Daikon radishes are ready to harvest when the roots reach their mature size, which can range from 6 to 20 inches in length, about 50-70 days after planting. To check readiness, gently brush away some soil around the base of the plant to examine the size of the root. The ideal harvest time is before the first hard frost, as freezing temperatures can damage the roots. Harvesting early ensures a tender, sweet flavor, while delayed harvesting may result in tougher, spicier roots. To harvest, loosen the soil around the root with a garden fork or spade to avoid breakage, then gently pull the daikon out by grasping the base of the leafy tops. After harvesting, remove the greens to prevent them from drawing moisture from the root, and store the daikon in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator for extended freshness.