Seed Sowing
Direct sow from June – September. Plant seeds 2 cm deep in rows around 30 cm apart, sow seeds every 15 cm. Seeds should germinate fast in warm weather. Sow into well-draining soil that isn’t too compacted.
Transplanting
Sow in modules, one seed per cell. Transplant into their final growing position 15cm apart after 3-4 weeks.
Plant Care
Keep them weed-free and watered during hot spells; lack of water can make them bolt and go woody. Too much water is also best avoided as it can cause the roots to split. You can mulch around the plants to keep in moisture and prevent weeds.
Use insect mesh to protect from flea beetles and root fly.
Challenges
Protect from slugs and snails, as they like direct-sown seeds. Avoid watering in the evening, as this will encourage overnight slugs and snails. Encourage predators like ground beetles, lizards, slow worms, and, if you’re lucky enough, hedgehogs into your growing space by creating suitable wildlife habitat.
Harvest
From seed, they take around 50-60 days to fully grow, but younger plants can be harvested to thin out the rows. Harvest like any other root crop, by pulling gently on the leaves and top of the root. Larger Daikons may need wiggling slightly to loosen them from the soil.
It’s best to store Daikons in the ground and harvest as and when you wish to cook them. Make sure to harvest the remaining crop before nights get too cold and frost is expected. They will store well in a cool, dry place such as a root cellar. Make sure to remove the leaves and brush off any soil before doing so.
Culinary Ideas
Traditionally Daikon are used in many recipes in South and East Asian Cuisine. In Japan they are used to make Kimchi, a spicy fermented pickle. In China they are used to make Lo Bak Go, a savoury turnip cake popular in Dim Sum restaurants.
It is a truly versatile root, we love it raw grated into salads or cooked in soups and stir fries.
Seed Saving
As winter radishes are biennial, you will need to select your best radish and store it in sand over winter to prevent it from being eaten by pests, then plant it out in the spring. Crops will have to be isolated before flowering to prevent cross-pollination. The seeds form in pods; when they turn crisp and brown, they will rattle. That’s the best time to harvest and store in a cool, dry place for up to 4 years.
Most popular Radish Seeds
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Radish – French Breakfast 2 (Organic)
£2.05 Add to basketRadish – French Breakfast 2 (Organic)
Scarlet colour with white tips and a crisp mildly pungent flesh. If you were to eat a radish for breakfast, this would be the one. Cute in looks, sweet and mildly pungent in taste and with a succulent crunch, it makes a tasty healthy snack. Introduced in 1879 it became a seller on the Parisian markets and quickly spread around the world.
Growing it is pure pleasure because they are quick to mature and you can harvest them throughout summer. Best eaten simply, just sliced with some salt on it or mixed in with salad.
(Approximate seed count – 300)
£2.05 -
Radish – Cherry Belle (Organic)
£2.25 – £3.50 Add to basket This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageRadish – Cherry Belle (Organic)
A quick-maturing variety with bright scarlet skin and crisp white flesh. We love the way radishes signal that summer is well on the way! These cherry-like beauties are so fresh and crunchy and such a welcome addition to the lunch plate after the hungry gap. This variety was awarded an RHS Award of Garden Merit, making it an excellent choice for home gardeners.
£2.25 – £3.50 -
Daikon Radish – Minowase (Organic)
£2.20 Add to basketDaikon Radish – Minowase (Organic)
A traditional variety of Daikon radish producing long bright white roots which are crunchy and delicious. This is a great variety of Daikon radish for sowing after July. Its roots can grow huge – up to 3 inches in diameter! It is not too hot and stays very sweet and crunchy. It’s best left in the ground until needed. We have some disagreement on the best way to eat Minowase; Fred likes to eat it raw and Ronja prefers to eat it cooked. Try both and see what works best for you!
(Approximate seed count – 250)£2.20 -
Radish – Black Spanish (Organic)
£2.30 Add to basketRadish – Black Spanish (Organic)
Large round winter radish with thick black skin and white flesh. This radish is an old variety that is easy to grow and makes an excellent winter vegetable. It is larger than the standard radish with a spicy taste and crisp texture. It’s great eaten raw in salads or cooked in a stew, stir-fry or used like a turnip. It’s a reliable and robust radish that will keep throughout the winter outside or in storage, staying tender and without getting woody.
Sow thickly in July or August and thing out for small early harvests.
(Approximate seed count – 250)£2.30
