Daikon Radish Vegetable Seeds

Daikon Radish Seeds

Botanical Name: Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus

Daikon Radish is a fast-growing Asian radish variety prized for its long white roots, crisp texture and mild peppery flavour. This versatile cool-season vegetable is ideal for fresh eating, pickling, cooking and garden soil improvement.

Key Attributes

Product Description

Daikon Radish is a popular long white radish variety widely grown for its crisp roots, mild flavour and reliable performance in cool-season vegetable gardens. It is commonly used in Asian cooking, fresh salads, pickles, stir-fries, soups and fermented foods.

The plants produce long, smooth, white roots with juicy flesh and a refreshing peppery bite. When harvested young, roots are tender and crisp. Larger roots are excellent for cooking, pickling and grating.

Daikon is also valued as a useful cover crop and green manure. Its strong taproot can help penetrate compacted soil, improve soil structure and add organic matter when incorporated back into the garden.

Why Grow Daikon Radish?

• Fast-growing cool-season vegetable.
• Produces long, crisp white roots with mild peppery flavour.
• Excellent for fresh eating, pickling, fermenting and cooking.
• Young leaves are edible and suitable for stir-fries and soups.
• Useful as a green manure or soil-conditioning crop.
• Reliable variety for home gardens, raised beds and market gardens.

Plant Details

Sowing Information

When to Sow Daikon Radish in Australia

How to Grow Daikon Radish

Direct sow seeds into loose, fertile, well-drained soil. Daikon develops long roots and performs best in soil that has been deeply prepared and cleared of stones, clods and heavy compaction.

Sow seeds where plants are to grow, as radishes do not transplant well. Keep soil evenly moist during germination and root development. Thin seedlings early to allow enough space for straight, well-formed roots.

Avoid excessive nitrogen fertiliser, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of root development. For best flavour and texture, grow during mild weather and harvest before plants become woody or begin to bolt.

Daikon can also be grown as a cover crop or green manure. When used for soil improvement, allow plants to develop strong taproots before cutting or incorporating them back into the soil.

Harvest

Harvest roots when they are smooth, firm and well-sized. Smaller roots are crisp and mild for fresh eating, while larger roots are suitable for cooking, pickling and fermenting. Harvest before hot weather or flowering, as roots may become tough, woody or overly pungent.

Perfect For

• Home vegetable gardens
• Raised beds and backyard food gardens
• Market gardens and small-scale growers
• Fresh salads, slaws and garnishes
• Pickling, fermenting and kimchi-style recipes
• Soups, stir-fries and cooked dishes
• Green manure and soil-conditioning crops

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Daikon Radish take to grow?

Daikon Radish is usually ready to harvest in around 45–70 days, depending on growing conditions and desired root size.

Can Daikon Radish be eaten raw?

Yes. Daikon can be eaten raw in salads, slaws and garnishes. It has a crisp texture and mild peppery flavour.

Can I cook Daikon Radish?

Yes. Daikon is excellent in soups, stir-fries, braised dishes, pickles and fermented foods.

Does Daikon Radish need loose soil?

Yes. Loose, deep, well-drained soil helps produce straighter, better-formed roots.

Can Daikon Radish be used as green manure?

Yes. Daikon is often grown as a cover crop or green manure because its strong taproot can help open compacted soil and add organic matter.