Growing Daikon, also Japanese radish, Lo Bok

Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P       P P      

(Best months for growing Daikon in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • 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 (can grow beside): Chervil, cress,lettuce, leeks, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes
  • Avoid growing close to: 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. Choose a variety to suit your climate. 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.

Your comments and tips

25 Jan 24, Angela Ojeda (USA - Zone 10a climate)
can you add cover crops planting information.
30 Nov 23, Noel (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What variety would be suitable for south east coastal QLD
14 Dec 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Any variety.
08 Sep 23, Tom (USA - Zone 9b climate)
What is the best variety of daikon to grow in zone 9b ?
14 Sep 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Any variety.
04 Dec 22, karen (USA - Zone 12a climate)
I bought a daikon at a local market with intact roots. I am going to plant the crown to collect seeds but wondering about the roots growing from the pointed end. if I plant that piece will anything happen?
02 Mar 23, Peter (Australia - temperate climate)
You need to plant seeds to get a new radish - can't do it from the root.
06 Aug 22, Dave (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Hi I live in Pitts pa and getting ready to plant some Japanese minowase seeds I was wonder when is the best time to plant them
09 May 22, (Australia - temperate climate)
What fertilizer is good for daikon Kohlrabi That are growing in greensmart self watering pots
10 May 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Just a general fertiliser not too high in Nitrogen. High N will produce a lot of leaf. A fert will plenty of P.
Showing 1 - 10 of 64 comments

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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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