Sakurajima Mammoth

Family: Brassicaceae Root Vegetable

Astonishing in the garden, Sakurajima Mammoth daikon unfurls into a dramatic, oversized root with a clean, ivory glow and a crisp, juicy bite.

Its flavor is bright and gently sweet at maturity—less sharp than many daikons—while the texture stays firm and succulent, ideal for bold, fresh preparations and for soaking up savory sauces. Grow this showpiece for striking presence and versatile performance in salads, pickles, and hearty simmered dishes alike.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Taproot

Botanical illustration of Sakurajima Mammoth

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This daikon’s size and maturity lean bright rather than harsh, so it stays sweet-tasting even when cut thick. It’s built for crisp salads and brining, but it also holds up in simmered dishes—its flesh softens at the edges while keeping a satisfying bite in the center.

Best Uses

thick matchstick or baton slices for sharp-crunch slaws that can take heavy dressings
quick pickle (rice vinegar or brine) where the firm interior stays snappy
soak-and-simmer: shabu-style or braises where it turns silky at the edges without going fluffy
grated daikon for punchy sauces and condiments that cling to fatty proteins

Flavor Profile

bright, gently sweet daikon bite crisp, juicy, firm flesh with a clean snap mildly peppery cruciferous finish that doesn’t overwhelm

Kitchen Pairings

soy sauce rice vinegar sesame oil ginger miso pork belly

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects radish (Raphanus sativus) like Sakurajima Mammoth, and how can I prevent it?

Cabbage root maggot and flea beetles are common on brassicas; the larvae damage roots and the beetles cause tiny shot-hole leaf damage that can slow growth. Use floating row cover right after sowing until plants flower, and avoid planting in the same bed where brassicas were grown recently. If you see scabby root areas or worsening wilting, remove badly affected plants early to reduce spread and keep the soil evenly moist (dry-stress increases stress and susceptibility).

How often should I water Sakurajima Mammoth radish during the main bulking period?

From roughly weeks 3–8 (when the roots are swelling), keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for frequent light watering that doesn’t let the bed dry out between sessions. In full sun, check moisture daily by feel: the top 1 inch should be damp, not crusty or dusty. Irregular drying and re-wetting can lead to cracking and pithiness in Raphanus sativus roots.

How do I know when Sakurajima Mammoth radish (Raphanus sativus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 70 days or when the root is large and firmly swollen at the soil surface, with a visible shoulder above the ground. The skin should look smooth and developed rather than thin and tapered, and the root should feel dense when gently pressed near the crown. If you leave it too long after bulking, the roots become woody and may split.