Japanese Minowase Radish

Japanese Minowase Radish (Daikon): Giant, Mild, and Long-Storing Heirloom

Discover the impressive Japanese Minowase Radish, also known as Daikon Radish, an ancient heirloom from Japan that produces remarkably long, white roots reaching up to 2 feet in length! This unusual yet delicious radish offers a crisp texture and a mild, sweet flavor that is highly valued in Japanese cuisine. Ready to harvest in as few as 45 days, these substantial roots can also be stored for weeks, allowing you to enjoy your harvest for an extended period. The Minowase type holds a significant place in Japanese radish cultivation, being one of the foundational strains for nearly all modern Japanese radish hybrids. Radishes, especially traditional pickled varieties, are a staple in the Japanese diet.

• Giant White Roots (Up to 2 Feet Long!):
  • Produces exceptionally long, pure white roots that can grow up to an impressive 2 feet in length.
  • A unique and eye-catching addition to your garden and kitchen.
• Mild and Sweet Flavor:
  • Offers a gentle and sweet taste, making it enjoyable raw or cooked.
  • A versatile flavor that complements a wide range of dishes.
• Ready in Just 45 Days:
  • Matures relatively quickly, providing a satisfyingly fast harvest of these large radishes.
• Stores Well for Weeks (and Even Longer!):
  • Harvested roots can be stored for several weeks, allowing you to enjoy your bounty over an extended period. Some sources even suggest it keeps its mild sweetness very well for up to 6 months!
• Ancient Heirloom from Japan:
  • A cherished open-pollinated heirloom variety with a rich history in Japanese agriculture.
  • A foundational variety for many modern Japanese radish hybrids.
• Important in Japanese Cuisine:
  • A staple in the Japanese diet, especially for making traditional pickled radishes (tsukemono).
  • Versatile for various Japanese culinary applications.
• Growing Information:
  • Latin Name: Raphanus sativus
  • Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Cool Season (plant for fall/winter harvest).
  • USDA Zones: 3-12 (widely adaptable, but timing is key).
  • Seeds per Ounce: Approximately 2,500
  • Planting Method: Direct Sow
  • Sunlight: Full Sun
  • Height: Approximately 9 inches (foliage).
  • Color: White (root).
  • Days to Maturity: Approximately 45 days.
• Sowing Instructions:
  • Since Japanese Minowase is a winter radish, it should be planted about two months before the first expected fall frost (around late August/early September).
  • Plant in very rich, deeply worked-up soil about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
  • Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart to allow ample space for the large roots to develop.
• Growing Tips:
  • Japanese Minowase Radish thrives in consistently moist soil with the addition of organic matter like compost.
  • Do not allow the soil to dry out, but also avoid overwatering to prevent splitting.
• Harvesting:
  • Japanese Minowase Radish can be harvested at any time up to its mature length of 24 inches.
  • They maintain their mild sweetness very well, making them ideal for storage.
• Seed Saving (Important for Open-Pollinated):
  • To save seeds, isolate them from other radish varieties by at least half a mile.
  • Allow the radish plant to fully mature, flower, and form seed pods.
  • Harvest brown, dry pods and allow them to dry further.
  • Thresh seeds by hand or by crushing the pods.
  • Store seeds in a cool, dry place for up to five years.