How to Grow Daikon in New Zealand
Japanese white radish that grows 30 to 50cm long, so deep, loosened soil is essential for straight roots. It is also useful as a bio-fumigant cover crop, dug in to help suppress nematodes.
When to plant daikon in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best daikon varieties for NZ
- Minowase — Long, mild Japanese white radish reaching 30 to 50cm; crisp and juicy. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Mooli / Long White — Standard daikon for grating, pickling and stir-fries. (Kings Seeds)
How to grow daikon
- Space plants about 20cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 60 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 5 days.
Companion planting
Grow daikon near: Carrot, Lettuce.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Aphids, Flea beetle, White butterfly. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Daikon plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant daikon in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy daikon seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.