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 should I plant daikon?

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

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): March to June
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): February to May and September
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): November to March
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): April to July
• Arid inland: March to May and August

How do I grow daikon 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.

How often should I water and feed daikon?

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

What pests attack daikon?

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

What diseases affect daikon?

The main ones are leaf spot and downy mildew. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

What grows well with daikon?

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

When do I harvest daikon?

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 garden 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.