How to Grow Daikon Long
Wikimedia Commons
Daikon Long
Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus
vegetableDaikon Long is a fast-growing Asian radish variety characterized by its elongated, white roots that can reach 12-18 inches in length. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and crisp texture, making it popular in Asian cuisines for both raw and cooked preparations. The plant produces large, edible leaves suitable for greens or garnishing.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Daikon Long in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Daikon Long timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Daikon Long
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Daikon Long
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Daikon Long dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler seasons in zones 8-9
Sign up free to see if Daikon Long grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Daikon Long timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
1-2 weeksSeeds sprout within 3-5 days; first true leaves appear as small, serrated foliage emerging from cotyledons
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; thin seedlings to proper spacing when 1-2 inches tall to reduce competition
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksLeafy green tops develop rapidly with deeply lobed foliage; taproot begins elongating underground
Maintain consistent moisture and weed regularly; apply mulch to retain soil moisture and moderate temperature
Root Development
2-3 weeksThe characteristic long white root extends deeper into soil; shoulder of root begins visible at soil surface
Ensure loose, friable soil to allow root elongation; avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizer which promotes excessive leaf growth
Maturation
1-2 weeksRoot reaches full length (12-18 inches); shoulder widens to 1.5-2 inches; leaves may yellow slightly
Reduce watering slightly to concentrate sugars and improve flavor; do not over-fertilize
Harvest Ready
Variable; harvest window 50-70 daysRoot is crisp, mild-flavored, and of harvest size; can be gently pulled from soil
Harvest promptly at peak maturity to avoid woodiness; roots left too long may become pithy
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use row covers; apply neem oil or spinosad; encourage beneficial insects; avoid excessive nitrogen
-
Use floating row covers during egg-laying season; apply diatomaceous earth around plant base; crop rotation
-
Spray with strong water; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; apply neem oil
-
Handpick; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); remove debris; encourage parasitic wasps
-
and
Handpick at dusk; apply copper tape barriers; use beer traps; encourage ground beetles
Uses
Raw & Pickled
CulinarySlice thinly for salads, sushi garnishes, or traditional tsukemono (Japanese pickles) to enjoy the crisp, mild flavor. The long, elegant shape makes it ideal for presentation on platters. [source]
Cooked & Soups
CulinaryCube or julienne for stir-fries, soups (especially Asian broths), and braised dishes where it becomes tender and slightly sweet. Popular in miso soup and Vietnamese canh. [source]
Greens & Leaves
CulinaryYoung daikon leaves are nutritious and tender, suitable for sautéing, steaming, or adding to soups as a spinach alternative. Older leaves are slightly bitter but still edible. [source]
Digestive & Respiratory Support
MedicinalDaikon is traditionally used in Asian medicine to support digestion and clear respiratory congestion. Contains enzymes that aid digestion and compounds studied for anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Natural Cleaner
HouseholdDaikon juice has mild antibacterial properties and can be used as a natural cleaning ingredient. The plant's enzymes make it useful in fermentation processes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when roots are 12-18 inches long and 1.5-2 inches in diameter at the shoulder, typically 50-70 days from planting. Gently loosen soil around the plant and pull carefully to avoid breaking the root. For tenderness, harvest in the morning when cool. Roots can be left in ground for 1-2 weeks after maturity without significant quality loss in cool weather. In hot climates, harvest before roots become pithy. Both roots and young leaves are edible and harvestable.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Daikon Long is extremely fast-growing for a root vegetable, maturing in as little as 50 days from seed to harvest—making it one of the quickest garden vegetables.
- 🌱 In Japanese cuisine, daikon is so prized that it's grown year-round in dedicated farming regions, and the variety 'Daikon Long' is specifically bred for its impressive 12-18 inch length.
- 🌱 The word 'daikon' comes from Japanese and Chinese, meaning 'large root,' though daikon radishes were cultivated in Asia for over 2,000 years before spreading to Western gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Daikon Long planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Daikon Long seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Daikon Long timeline →