Daikon Radishes
Photo: "Minowase variety Daikon radishes" by Eric Polk · CC BY-SA 4.0
Daikon radish · Daikon

Daikon Radishes

Annual · Brassicaceae

Minowase is a classic long white daikon that grows quickly into a crisp, mild root when sown into cool soil. It is a good beginner radish for fall beds because it handles light frost and loosens ground as it grows.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity
45–55 days
Sun
4+ hours
full sun in cool weather or light shade for late-summer sowings
Spacing
4–6 "
Seed Start
0 weeks
before transplant
Container
Not Ideal
5+ gallon pot
Height
1–1.5 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 3–7 days
Optimal Temp 68°F
Seed Depth 0.5"

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 40°F
Harden Off 0 days

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "
Needs Consistent
Method Base watering

Soil

pH Range 6–7
Soil Type Loose, stone-free, deeply worked soil with moderate fertility and good drainage.

Resilience

Heat: Low Cold: High Drought: Low

Common Problems

root-forking
Cause: Stones, compacted soil, or fresh manure force roots to branch.
Prevention: Use loose beds, avoid fresh manure, and thin seedlings early.
flea-beetles
Cause: Young brassica seedlings are vulnerable to shot-hole feeding.
Prevention: Use row cover until plants are established.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Light feeder

Harvest

Harvest when roots are smooth, white, and substantial but still tender, before they crack or turn pithy.

Expected Yield 0.5–2 lbs/plant
Storage 21 days — Remove tops and refrigerate roots in a perforated bag or root cellar conditions.

Sources

seed_catalog Pinetree Garden Seeds university University of Minnesota Extension

Daikon Radishes Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Daikon Radishes vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

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