What hardiness zones is Raphanus sativus 'Miyashige' suitable for?

Raphanus sativus 'Miyashige' is an annual root vegetable reaching 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall (foliage) with a spread of 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) and an upright habit with a rosette of large, rough-textured leaves above a long, cylindrical, white root. A Japanese daikon radish, it produces smooth, uniform, pure white roots 14-18 inches (35-45 cm) long and 2.5-3 inches (6-8 cm) in diameter—among the most uniform daikon types. Crisp, mild, slightly sweet flesh with less pungency than European radishes. Days to maturity 50-60 from direct sow. Growth rate is fast. Best as a fall crop—late summer sowing produces the largest, sweetest roots. Spring sowings bolt more readily. Requires deep, loose, stone-free soil for straight roots.

Native Range

Raphanus sativus originated in Southeast Asia. 'Miyashige' is a Japanese daikon cultivar from the Miyashige district.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens with deep soil for culinary use—grated (sashimi garnish), pickled (takuan), braised, soups, kimchi, sliced raw. Long cylindrical pure white. Most uniform daikon. Mild sweet. Japanese. Fall crop produces largest sweetest roots. Stores 2-4 months. Also used as cover crop (deep taproot breaks compacted soil). Requires deep loose stone-free soil. Spring sowings bolt readily.

How to Identify

Distinguished from European radishes (like Cherry Belle) by the much larger size (14-18 versus 1 inch), the cylindrical (versus round) shape, the white (versus red) color, and the milder flavor. Distinguished from 'Watermelon' radish by the pure white (versus green/pink-red) flesh and the cylindrical (versus round) shape. Miyashige daikon—long cylindrical pure white, most uniform daikon, mild sweet, Japanese, fall crop best, deep soil needed.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread8" - 1'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

White to lavender four-petaled flowers on stalks when bolting—primarily spring-sown plants. Fall-sown crops rarely bolt before harvest. Seed pods also edible.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to lavender; four-petaled; bolting only

Foliage Description

Dark green; large rough-textured; basal rosette

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.8 - 6.8(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

50-60 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow in late summer (60-70 days before first frost) for fall harvest—fall crops are sweetest and least likely to bolt. Deep, loose, stone-free soil at least 18 inches (45 cm) deep (pH 5.8-6.8). Thin to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). Consistent moisture. Days to maturity 50-60 from direct sow. Harvest when tops of roots are 2.5-3 inches in diameter. Stores 2-4 months in cool humid conditions.