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Growing Daikon, also Japanese radish, Lo Bok

(Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
                  P    

(Best months for planting Daikon in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.


  • Easy to grow. Direct in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 15 cm apart
  • Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Dig daikon carefully. They are rather brittle..
  • Compatible with: Chervil, cress,lettuce, leeks, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes
  • Avoid growing with: Gherkins, hyssop
  • Mature daikon

A long white radish, milder flavour than the small round or oval radishes. Most varieties of Daikon prefer cooler weather. Have a tendency to 'bolt' or flower early in warm/hot weather. Grow in deep soil and water regularly. They will grow as big as large parsnips if left but the best flavour seems to be when they are about the size of a carrot.

Can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks if washed and dried and the leaves cut off.

A range of varieties of Daikon is available, some will do better in warm areas.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Daikon

Daikon radish can be eaten simmered, stir fried, grated, pickled or baked. Its leaves are also edible and can be used in recipes that call for turnip greens, and its seeds make sprouts to eat in salads or in sandwiches.


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See planting calendar for these countries and climate zones

Australia - arid,   Australia - cool/mountain,   Australia - sub-tropical,   Australia - temperate,   Australia - tropical,   New Zealand - cool/mountain,   New Zealand - sub-tropical,   New Zealand - temperate,   South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical,   South Africa - Humid sub-tropical,   South Africa - Semi-arid,   South Africa - Summer rainfall,   United Kingdom - cool/temperate,   United Kingdom - warm/temperate,   USA - Central West Coast,   USA - Maritime Northwest,   USA - Mid-Atlantic,   USA - North East,   USA - South East and Gulf States,   USA - South West,   USA - Upper Midwest  

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.

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