Daikon Radish Seeds - Minowase Heirloom - Japanese Style - Raphnius sativus

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Grows as a cool-season annual in all zones. Daikon radishes are best grown in the spring and fall and will bolt (go to seed) in extreme heat.

Best performance in Zones 3-9 during the cooler parts of the year.

Northern Zones (2-5) - Plant in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, and again in mid-to-late summer for a fall harvest. The roots will develop and sweeten as the temperatures cool.

Hot Climate Zones (9-11) - Best grown in late fall, winter, and early spring. Avoid planting during the peak of summer heat, which can cause the roots to become woody and bitter.

Soil Temperature - Requires a cool soil for germination, with an optimal temperature range of 50-75F. Consistent moisture is crucial for germination.

Growing Season - Requires 50-60 days from seed to maturity, making it an excellent crop for succession planting and extending the harvest.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, about 3-5 weeks before the last expected frost date. For a fall crop, sow seeds in mid-to-late summer, about 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost.

Location and Soil:
Choose a location that receives full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day). The most important factor for growing long, straight daikon radishes is loose, well-draining soil that is free of rocks and hard clumps. Amend heavy or compacted soil with compost and sand to a depth of at least 12 inches.

Sowing Seeds:

Prepare a garden bed by loosening the soil and removing any debris. Rake the surface smooth.

Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 3-6 inches apart to allow for proper root development.

Lightly cover the seeds with soil and gently water to moisten the seedbed.

Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, which typically takes 5-10 days.

Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to a final spacing of 6 inches apart.

Care and Maintenance:

Watering: Provide consistent and even moisture throughout the growing season. Inconsistent watering can cause the roots to become tough and develop a very strong, bitter flavor.

Fertilizing: Daikon radishes do not require a lot of fertilizer. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of root development.

Weeding: Keep the area weed-free, as weeds will compete with the radishes for nutrients and water. Be careful when weeding to avoid damaging the roots.

Harvesting:
Harvest daikon radishes when the top of the root is visible and the diameter is about 2-3 inches. You can harvest them earlier for a more tender texture and milder flavor. To harvest, gently pull the root from the soil. The roots can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.