Daikon care guide
Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus
Also known as: Daikon radish
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Daikon
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- Keep the soil moist until germination, then water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide; in summer, water in the morning.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- The roots swell now; water about when the topsoil dries, as a guide, and avoid swings between very dry and very wet.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 5 days
- The soil dries slowly, so as a guide water on a mild morning about two to three days after it dries.
Light and placement for Daikon
A sunny, airy spot outdoors is about right; it resents transplanting, so sow in place, and long-rooted varieties suit a grow bag or deep container at least 30 cm deep, with a late August or September sowing generally the easiest.
Overwintering Daikon
Overwintering guide: −3°C (27°F) or above
It stands light frost, but exposed shoulders are damaged if they freeze, so as a guide hill soil over them before hard cold; an autumn sowing is generally best harvested by about January.
Fertilizing and repotting Daikon
Fertilizer
Mix the base fertilizer in well and, as a guide, side-dress lightly after the second and third thinnings; lumps of fertilizer or unripe compost in the root's path cause forking.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Daikon
- Stones or clods left in the soil make the root fork.
- In a shallow container the root cannot run down and ends up short and bent.
- Cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles damage the leaves and roots.
- Harvested late, the root turns pithy.
Tips for growing Daikon
- Sow four or five seeds per spot and thin in about three steps to one plant by the five-to-six-leaf stage.
- An insect net from sowing on reduces damage to the young leaves.
- In containers, short-rooted or mini varieties are easier to grow.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
