Vegetable · Root crop
Daikon Radish
Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatusA large, mild Asian radish valued for its long white root and rapid growth. Roots swell fastest in the cool, shortening days of autumn, when the flavor turns sweet rather than sharp. The one rule: sow it as a fall crop where possible — spring plantings race to flower before the root fills out.
Sow depth
½ in
Spacing
5 in · rows 18 in
Sun
Full sun
Germination
4–7 days
Time to harvest
50–60 days
Difficulty
Easy
When to sow daikon radish
- Sow from about 5 weeks before your last expected frost until about 2 weeks before your last expected frost.
- Sow from about 10 weeks before the first expected autumn frost until about 6 weeks before the first expected autumn frost.
Direct sow only — daikon forms a long taproot that forks if transplanted.Loosen soil deeply first; stones or heavy clay cause forked or stubby roots.Sow thinly in shallow drills and keep the bed evenly moist until seedlings emerge.
Thin to 5 in — crowded roots stay thin and never bulk up.Water deeply and consistently; drought stress toughens the root and invites bolting.Mulch to keep soil cool and moist through any warm spell.
Pull once shoulders show at the soil surface, usually 50–60 days from sowing.Loosen soil with a fork first — the long root snaps easily if yanked.Leave a fall crop in the ground through light frosts; the cold sweetens the flavor.
Companion plants
Bush beans fix nitrogen that feeds the fast-growing root, and shallow-rooted lettuce shares the bed without competing underground.
Watch out for
Flea beetles — Riddle young leaves with small holes in warm, dry weather. Cover seedlings with fine mesh from sowing.Root maggots — Tunnel into the root at soil level, especially in cool, damp springs. Rotate beds and cover with row cover to block egg-laying.