Holly's Homestead
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Holly's Homestead — Root Vegetable

Daikon

Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus · Brassica family
DIFFICULTY Easy
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.

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.

06Companions & rotation

Plant nearby
PeasLettuce
Avoid nearby
Other brassicas nearby
Rotation note
Rotate brassicas on a 3–4 year cycle.