Raphanus sativus Seeds | Daikon Longipinnatus Long White
LATIN NAME: Raphanus sativus
COMMON NAME: Daikon Radish
Plant Profile
Raphanus sativus, better known as Daikon Radish, is an upright, annual in the cabbage family. Daikon is long, white root of winter kitchen, and small, white or purple flowers open in loose heads above lobed leaves. Roots have a very long record as fine, crisp winter vegetable of warm tables, and plant is a fine, generous presence of kitchen garden. It is a plant of open, sunny, deep, moist, rich ground. Its open flowers are a reliable stop for bees and other pollinating visitors. Not many plants ask so little and repay so much.
Science & Biotechnology
Raphanus sativus sits in the cabbage family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Gardeners benefit directly from its long cultivation: what the plant will do in a garden is well understood.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Daikon Radish for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Daikon is a fine, bold plant of winter bed and kitchen garden. It is a fine, bold plant of open, sunny, deep, moist, rich garden. Keep seed bed moist and young plants well spaced, and long roots will fill out. Once it has settled, the workload drops to almost nothing.
Radish is a digestive food-herb of East Asia, its seed, Lai Fu Zi, a classical Chinese herb for food stagnation and phlegm; daikon is famed as the enzyme-rich accompaniment to fried foods.
Growing from Seed
Raising Daikon Radish from seed is straightforward. Sow on the surface of a gritty, well-drained mix, cover lightly with fine compost, and maintain gentle, even moisture in a sunny position. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Daikon Radish has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. Daikon Radish settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Moisture matters most while plants are young; established plants cope with far more.
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