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    

(Best months for growing Daikon in New Zealand - cool/mountain 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 50°F and 68°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 6 inches 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

09 Jun 16, Ray Lilley (New Zealand - temperate climate)
It has been recommended we plant daikon to provide its nutrients for our olive trees. Can you recommend a good low-cost seed provider?
24 Apr 17, Awhi Kingi (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I think I have some Daikon radishes in the garden that sprouted from birdseed , they are getting quite large . no one I know can identify them . I was hoping you might be able to look at the photo's for me and see what you think ? I'm a very new gardener but loving it
24 Apr 17, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Have you seen the photo on the daikon page of Gardenate ?
30 May 20, Olwen Mason (New Zealand - temperate climate)
They came up in our lawn in Wellington from birdseed. They got very large and I was very surprised to see them when the lawn was mown after a long unmown time.
05 May 17, Gareth Lusty (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Here is a Giant White Radish (Raphanus sativus) https://duckduckgo.com/?q=daikon+radish+picture&t=h_&ia=images (Couldn't use your link, Gareth - Ed.)

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