White/Chinese radish (Daikon): Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
When and how do you sow daikon outdoors?
Sow daikon directly where it will grow, at a time suited to the cultivar. Some types suit spring sowing, while others are better sown in summer for a later harvest. Check the seed packet: sowing a sensitive cultivar too early can lead to flowering before a useful root develops. Do not treat spring and autumn as interchangeable sowing seasons for every daikon.
Choose a bright position with deep, well-drained soil and no compacted layer blocking root growth. Remove large stones and weeds, then prepare a fine surface. Sow in drills about 1–2 cm deep. Leave enough room for mature foliage and roots, allowing roughly 15–20 cm between plants and adjusting this to your cultivar's expected size.
Cover with fine soil, firm lightly and water with a gentle spray. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without soaking it. Once seedlings emerge, thin overcrowded plants promptly rather than leaving a dense row. Weed by hand close to the young roots to avoid injuring them. Germination and subsequent growth depend on the soil, climate and seed quality; a fixed number of days cannot guarantee when your crop will be ready.
How to care for this plant
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Thin seedlings
If emerged radishes are already crowded, remove the weakest. Follow packet spacing: winter radishes need more room.
How do you harvest white radishes / daikon?
