Crisp, mild, and wonderfully versatile!
Daikon radishes are the gentle giants of the radish world, long, white roots with a juicy crunch and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Whether you’re pickling, stir-frying, or growing a cover crop, Daikon brings both beauty and utility to your garden. It’s a cool-season classic with deep roots in Asian cuisine and soil health alike.
Variety: Daikon Radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus)
Growth Habit: Cool-season annual
Height: 8–12 inches
Flavor Profile: Mild, juicy, and slightly sweet
Color: Long, white roots with crisp white flesh
Planting Conditions: Full sun and deep, loose, well-drained soil
Harvest Timeline: Ready in 60–70 days
Uses: Ideal for pickling, stir-fries, raw garnishes, and soil conditioning
Benefits: Excellent for breaking up compacted soil as a natural cover crop
Fun Fact: “Daikon” means “big root” in Japanese, and these roots can grow over a foot long!
Daikon is a kitchen and garden multitasker. Slice it into matchsticks for a crunchy salad topper, pickle it for a tangy bite, or toss it into a sizzling stir-fry. Its mild flavor pairs beautifully with bold sauces and spices. In the garden, Daikon’s deep roots help aerate soil and add organic matter, making it a favorite among regenerative growers and home chefs alike.
To Full Size
🌞 Choose a Sunny Spot: Plant in full sun with deep, loose soil to allow roots to grow long and straight.
🌱 Sow the Seeds: Direct sow ½ inch deep, spacing seeds 2 inches apart.
💧 Water Regularly: Keep soil consistently moist for tender, juicy roots.
🌿 Thin and Maintain: Thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart once they sprout.
✂️ Harvest: Pull when roots are 8–12 inches long and firm. For best flavor, harvest before the ground freezes.
