What it is
Daikon (Tillage Radish) (Raphanus sativus longipinnatus) is in the Brassicaceae (Mustard) family. A 'biological plow' — the long root drills through hardpan, then rots over winter leaving channels for air and water.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it moderate, and give it compacted ok soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 4–6 in apart. Expect roughly 50–70. Cool-season annual.
How it's used
Daikon (Tillage Radish) is used: root edible; or leave to decompose.
🔎 How to identify it
- Large rough lobed leaves
- Long white tapering root
- Drills deep into compacted soil
Edibility
PartsRoot and greens
UsesRoot edible; or leave to decompose
CautionIf used as cover, let winter kill it in place.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.