How to Grow Daikon

A cool-season root for the home garden across the warmer US.

Daikon is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Daikon is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the daikon page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Miyashige, Crisp, mild storage daikon (Kitazawa/True Leaf Market)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 20 cm (8 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 1 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 5 L per plant every 2 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Aphids and Root fly. In humid regions, Downy mildew can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Daikon is usually ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant daikon where you garden.

See also: Daikon in the plant library →

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