Holly's Homestead — Root Vegetable
Daikon
Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus · Brassica family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual, direct sown
MATURITY 50–70 days
TYPE Annual, direct sown
MATURITY 50–70 days
Sun
Full–part sun
Water
Consistent
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
15cm × 30cm
Depth
1–2cm
01A long, deep root
Daikon roots can reach 30–40cm long, so deep, loose, stone-free soil matters even more than for standard radish — raised beds work well.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow into deeply worked soil.
Soil
Deep, loose, stone-free.
Timing
Sow in autumn for the best roots; can bolt if sown in warming spring.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Thin early to avoid forked roots.
- Keep soil consistently moist for even growth.
- Mulch to suppress weeds around the long taproot.
- Harvest before hot weather triggers bolting.
04Problems
- Forking — stony or compacted soil; dig deep before sowing.
- Flea beetle — holes in leaves; net young plants.
- Bolting — warm weather; sow in the cooler season.
- Splitting — irregular watering.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Shoulders reach 5–6cm across at soil surface.
Method
Loosen soil deeply, then pull straight up.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, several weeks; also good pickled.
Preserving
See Root Cellaring (cool, dark storage without processing) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
PeasLettuceAvoid nearby
Other brassicas nearbyRotation note
Rotate brassicas on a 3–4 year cycle.
