How to grow daikon in a raised bed

Daikon is the giant white radish of Asian cooking — long, mild and crisp, and a raised bed's deep loose mix is exactly what those big roots need to grow straight.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: 10–15 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 41 cm depth for long roots
• Time to harvest: 8–10 weeks

When to plant: Daikon does best in the cool — sow directly from late summer through autumn. Heat makes it bolt and turn hot. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing them in a raised bed: Sow seed straight into deep, loose, stone-free mix and thin the seedlings well — these roots get big and need room. Always sow direct, as they hate transplanting.

Watering and feeding: Keep the mix evenly moist for a mild, crisp root; a dry check makes it woody and sharp.

Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids, slugs and snails and cutworms. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

Common diseases: the main ones are leaf spot and downy mildew. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

Companion plants: A fast crop to grow between slower brassicas; the leafy tops are edible too. See our companion planting guide.

Harvest and storage: Pull once the roots are a good size but still crisp — don't leave them too long or they turn pithy. Great grated raw, pickled, or in stir-fries.

More growing guides: radishes, turnips and carrots.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Σ64, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.