Fracking Daikon Radish is a deep rooted forage radish that will make an outstanding winter cover crop. The deep taproot of the large rooted plant can help break up the tough, compacted soil, improve water infiltration, suppresses weeds, eliminate pests and stores nitrogen. When planting daikon radish seed as a cover crop, the benefits will be optimized if planted in late summer:
Some people refer to Daikon radish as Oriental radish, Chinese radish, Satsuma radish amd Japanese radish. In fact, Daikon in Japanese means "big root." It is grown around the world, but primarily here in the U.S. Daikon radish seeds are planted as a cover crop to prevent soil compaction, which then allows soil to absorb more rainfall. Daikon radish greatly reduces soil compaction be aerating the soil
Daikon radishes look different than typical garden radishes. They have large, fast growing leaves and a long white root which looks similar to a pale carrot. Daikon can grow up to 20 inches long with a diameter of 4 inches. Their flavor is milder and less peppery than other radishes and can be eaten raw with a crisp and juicy texture. Or, if cooked, the taste is similar to turnip.
Planting a dense crop of daikon radish helps keep other plants out. Plant daikon seeds a little earlier than other over-wintering cover crops to give it time to grow a thick leaf canopy. Aim for 4 - 10 weeks before the first frost – late August in cooler climates, early September in warmer ones. The seeding rate is 10 - 15 pounds of radish seed per acre. For a smaller area, the seeding rate is 1/2 pound of cover crop seed per 1000 square feet. Cover the seeds 1/4 - 1/2 inch with soil.
Sow Daikon radish seed at 8 - 10 lbs per acre
Outsidepride Daikon Radish Cover Crop Seed - 5 LBS best price $24.99 new 2024
