How to grow Daikon in Australia
Sow daikon direct in full sun in deep, loose, stone-free soil, as the long roots fork in compacted ground. Water evenly so growth does not check, which keeps the roots mild and crisp.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 5 litres a week, watered every 2 days
- Spacing: 20 cm
- Time to harvest: 60 days
- Time to germinate: 5 days
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Half hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to August | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to August | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to August | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to August | Sow Mar to Aug in Melbourne. Prefers cool weather; later sowings (Jun to Aug) mature in cooler months. |
| Adelaide & SA | March to August | |
| Perth & WA | March to August | |
| Tasmania | November to February | Sow Nov to Feb for autumn-winter roots. Spring sowings bolt after cold nights. |
| Canberra & ACT | September and October, January to April | Sow Jan to Apr for the main autumn crop, or Sep to Oct for spring. Cold soil stops winter germination. |
| North Queensland | May to August | Dry season May to Aug. Daikon (Japanese radish) needs cool conditions; sow dry season only. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to August | Dry season May to Aug. Daikon (Japanese radish) needs cool conditions; sow dry season only. |
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Lift when the white root is thick and long with firm shoulders pushing above the soil. Loosen the soil and pull steadily by the leaf base.
Storage
Fridge in a bag, up to 2 weeks.