What’s growing on the estate this November?

Introducing daikon, a white radish also known as 'winter radish'. Learn more about how to grow daikon at home, its health benefits, and how to make a tasty winter salad using radish slices. 

History and origins of daikon

Variety: Daikon

Family: Brassicaceae 

Origin: Native to east Asia

Daikon in Japanese means 'big root'. It is a symbol of fertility and longevity in Japan and may be found at Shinto shrines throughout the country. 

How to grow daikon

Like every radish, the seeds need to be sown direct into the soil from July until mid-September, outside only. They do not like the heat so if sown in the Spring, they will run to seed quickly and will prevent root growth. It can be good to sow Daikon after harvesting your alliums (onions, garlic). Daikon has a large distinctive white root.

Daikon will need a fertile and well-drained soil with a pH of 5.6/6.6. You can measure the soil pH with pH kits you will find in garden centres.

Daikon might be attacked by flea beetle for the earlier sowing, later ones should be fine. Cover the crop with a fleece and that should protect the radishes.

Cabbage maggot can cause damage too by boring holes in the root. The planted can be sprayed with neem oil.

Being part of the Brassicaceae family, Daikon can also be susceptible to Club Roots, characterised by the wilting of the leaves and the root turning brown and distorted. If Club Root appear in an area of the garden, you will need to avoid all members of the Brassicaceae family in this area for a long time as the fungus of Club Root can stay in the soil for up to 14 years. To avoid club root, keep your patch weed free, plant only healthy stocks in the soil. Club root will thrive in acidic conditions so check the soil pH of the patch you want to grow Brassicaceae and add lime to increase the pH.

Club root will not thrive in warm conditions so planting Brassicaceae through plastic sheet would be good to increase the soil temperature; thus, reducing the impact of Club Root.

Make sure to rotate your crops every year to avoid the build-up of pests and diseases.

How to harvest daikon

The first Daikon can be harvested in the Autumn right into Winter. To harvest, gently pull the root up, cut the leaves and clean the soil. This long root will great for the soil as it will loosen it in depth for the next crop.

Health benefits of daikon

Daikon and radish family are useful for digestion as it stimulates the flow. Radishes are high on potassium which help keep blood pressure low. The high vitamin C content can help treat colds and flu.

The juice pressed from the flesh is a traditional remedy for coughs and inflamed joints.

The Daikon Radish is high in enzyme myrosinase which help for digestion and produces an antioxidant that has anti-cancer benefits.

Winter energizing salad recipe

Ingredients

• Daikon radish
• Organic salad leaves
• Grapefruit
• Chia seeds
• Walnut
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Pumpkin oil

Method

Make a salad with thinly sliced radish, organic leaves, grapefruits segments, chia seeds, and chopped walnut. Dress with a vinaigrette made with 1/3 grapefruit juice, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1/3 olive oil and 1/3 pumpkin oil.