KimYunmi / CC BY-SA 4.0
garden
Daikon
Overview
A large, mild white radish that is a staple across East Asian cuisines and one of the most useful cover crop radishes for soil improvement. Daikon can grow 12-18 inches long, acting as a biological plow that breaks through compacted soil layers. Japanese varieties bred for eating are milder and crisper than the 'tillage radish' types grown purely for soil aeration.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH5.8 — 7
Soil TypeDeep, loose, well-drained sandy loam
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Jul — Jul | Sow midsummer for fall harvest; bolts in spring |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Sep — Oct | Harvest before hard freeze; roots can reach 18" |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Jul — Aug | Best as fall crop; direct sow in late summer |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Sep — Nov | Harvest before hard freeze |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Aug — Sep | Sow in late summer/early fall; avoid spring sowing (bolts) |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Oct — Dec | Harvest before ground freezes |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Fall sowing; needs 50-60 days to maturity |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Nov — Jan (wraps) | Harvest during cool months |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Nov | Sow in fall for cool-season growth |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Dec — Feb (wraps) | Harvest during winter |
Uses
Culinary
- Grated raw for sashimi accompaniment and salads
- Pickled as takuan in Japanese cuisine
- Simmered in soups and oden (Japanese hot pot)
Medicinal
- Digestive enzyme support from myrosinase
- Traditional use for respiratory congestion
- Low-calorie source of vitamin C and potassium
Other Uses
- Cover crop variety ('tillage radish') breaks compacted soil
- Green manure when left to decompose in place
