Daikon is a root vegetable native to Japan that has gained popularity among Ukrainian gardeners in recent years due to its low maintenance and nutritional benefits. To achieve a tasty and abundant harvest, it is essential to follow the correct planting and care procedures for this crop. This article provides detailed guidance on all stages of growing daikon, from seed selection to harvesting.
As noted by the editorial team at Baltimore Chronicle, the key to success lies in timely planting, proper soil and watering, and protecting the plant from pests and diseases.
What You Should Know About Daikon Before Planting
Daikon is a variety of radish with a mild flavor and tender texture. It’s ideal for salads, pickling, and long-term storage.
Key characteristics of the crop:
- Root length of 30–50 cm
- Vegetation period: 60–80 days
- Best grown in temperatures from +16 to +22 °C
- Doesn’t tolerate prolonged rain or extreme heat
- Stores well at 0…+2 °C
Before planting, it’s important to consider not only the daikon variety but also your region’s conditions—rainfall, soil type, and average summer temperatures.
Best Time to Plant Daikon in Ukraine
The optimal planting time depends on your harvesting goals:
- For summer consumption — sow in April–May
- For winter storage — sow in the second half of July or early August
The best time of day for planting is in the evening or on a cloudy day to reduce stress on the seeds or seedlings. Avoid sowing too early — it may cause the plant to bolt.
Planting Calendar by Region:
| Region of Ukraine | Spring Planting | Summer Planting |
|---|---|---|
| Western | April | July |
| Central | April – May | July |
| Eastern | Late April | Early August |
| Southern | Early April | July |
How to Prepare Soil for Daikon
Daikon needs fertile, light, and well-drained soil without waterlogging. Loamy or sandy soils with neutral pH are ideal.
Soil preparation steps:
- Clear the area of weeds
- In autumn, dig the soil 25–30 cm deep
- Add compost or humus (3–4 kg per m²)
- In spring, apply wood ash or a balanced fertilizer
- Loosen the topsoil before sowing
Avoid using fresh manure, as it may cause deformed roots.
Choosing and Preparing Daikon Seeds
There are many varieties of daikon available — early and late, short and long, white and purple-tinged.
Popular varieties in Ukraine:
- Mino Hossai — early, elongated
- Sasha — short, round
- Tsurugishiro — long, good for storage
- Neriman — resistant to bolting
Before sowing, soak seeds in water for 6–8 hours to speed up germination. It’s also recommended to disinfect seeds in a weak potassium permanganate solution.
Daikon Planting Technique
Daikon can be sown directly in the soil or, less commonly, started from seedlings.
Key rules:
- Sowing depth — 1.5–2 cm
- Row spacing — 30–40 cm
- Plant spacing — 15–20 cm
- Sow 2–3 seeds per hole, then thin to the strongest plant
Sowing example:
- Use 1-meter wide garden beds
- Spacing between rows — 35 cm
- Thin seedlings 10 days after emergence
For early planting, consider covering the bed with agril (non-woven fabric) to protect from cold nights.
Post-Planting Care for Daikon
Daikon requires minimal but consistent care:
- Watering: 2–3 times a week in hot weather
- Loosening: after each watering
- Thinning: at the 2–3 leaf stage
- Fertilizing: 10 days after sprouting with organic fertilizer
Pest and Disease Control:
- Common pests: flea beetles, aphids
- Prevent with wood ash dusting
- For infestations, spray with garlic or chamomile infusion
Avoid overcrowding the bed, as it promotes fungal disease spread.
When and How to Harvest Daikon
Harvest 60–80 days after sprouting. Daikon pulls out easily if the bed is watered a few days in advance.
Signs of readiness:
- Leaves begin to yellow
- Root top protrudes above soil
- Size matches the variety
Store harvested daikon in a cellar, covered in sand or wrapped in paper. Do not wash before storage.
Common Mistakes When Planting Daikon
- Planting too early — leads to bolting
- Using fresh manure — causes root rot
- Inadequate watering — results in bitter taste
- Shaded beds — small or misshapen roots
- Overcrowding — competition for light and moisture
Proper planning and care are the key to enjoying fresh, delicious daikon from your garden.
Earlier we wrote about how to plant a cherry tree correctly for a great harvest.