Daikon Tilling Radish

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Cover crops can be planted in spring, summer or fall! Remember that ¼ to ⅓ of your growing area should be planted to green manure cover crops every year. This ensures your soil stays healthy and productive.

Seeds can be stored for 1 to 2 years.

Description

One of the most popular cover crop species for improving soil!

Daikon Tilling Radishes are a large-rooted brassica species that are widely used to improve soil structure. The plants have an amazing ability to grow deeply penetrating tap roots that break through compacted layers and plough pans, creating better drainage and air movement within the soil.

Daikon means large root in Japanese and refers to the large storage root that leaves deep holes in the ground, allowing water infiltration, soil aeration and the scavenging of nutrients. In just 6 to 8 weeks, Diakon Tilling Radishes can scavenge and capture up to 150 lbs of nitrogen per acre. Once killed, the decomposing plants release those nutrients as they breakdown, feeding the soil biology and subsequent crop.

The succulent plants of Daikon Tilling Radishes also have rapid top growth, forming a complete canopy in as little as 60 days. This makes them well-suited for erosion control and weed suppression. Seedlings are tolerant to frost (-3°C) and it is best to plant in late spring through early fall to delay flowering and maximize biomass development.

Mature plants will generally winterkill in zones 7 or colder and can be tilled in summer, late fall or spring (after being killed from winter freezing). Soil can also be left unturned after the plants have winterkilled and planted directly with a new crop in spring.

Grows well alone or combined with other species of cover crop. Commonly grown with Crimson Clover, Berseem Clover, Persian Clover, Annual Ryegrass, Millets, Sorghum Sudangrass and Cereals. 

Untreated, Non-GEO Seed

250g covers approximately 1500 sq. ft
1 kg covers approximately 6000 sq. ft

Quick Guide

• Latin Name: Raphanus sativus
• Hardiness: Annual, usually winterkills in zone 7 or colder
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Germination: 7 days
• Planting Dates: May 21 - Sep 1  
• Seeding Rate: 100-200g per 1000 sq. ft (4-7kg per acre) 
• Max Planting Depth: 0.25”-0.5” 
• Growth Habit: Grow 2-3 ft tall. Seedling develops as rosette, then elongates with the flower stalk  
• Benefits: Fast-growing, deeply penetrating roots that loosen compacted soils, fertility scavenger, quickly releases nutrients when decomposing.  
• Sun Exposure: Part Shade to Full Sun
• Usual Seed Life: 5 years  
• Cover Crop Management: Mow or till at 25-50% blooming. Will replant itself if left to go to seed. Late plantings can be left to winterkill and allow better spring water infiltration.

Highest Quality Standards

Our cover crop seed comes from high-quality stock and is tested for germination. We've selected the best varieties available to maximize each species' potential.