Tama Winter

Family: Brassicaceae Root Vegetable

Sweetly aromatic and luxuriously mild, Tama Winter daikon forms long, tapered roots with a clean, crisp bite and a satiny, snow-white interior.

Its flavor stays gentle even as the season cools, making it a standout for fresh slicing, quick pickling, and roasting until tender—ideal for gardeners who want a dependable winter crop with elegant texture. Grow it for that satisfying, garden-fresh crunch that turns every harvest into a crisp, refreshing centerpiece.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Taproot

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	Jun 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Tama Winter daikon hits that rare spot: sweetly aromatic and mild, with a crisp that stays snappy instead of turning harsh. Slice it paper-thin and it stays elegant under vinegar or salt-citrus, or roast it and let the peppery edge go soft into a silky, gentler sweetness.

Best Uses

paper-thin winter slicing with salt and citrus
quick pickling for sharp-but-not-punchy tang
roasting until tender for silky edges and mild sweetness
grating into fresh salads or daikon-topped rice bowls

Flavor Profile

sweet, mild radish bite clean crisp crunch satiny, snow-white interior subtle peppery aroma that mellows with heat

Kitchen Pairings

soy sauce rice vinegar ginger sesame oil miso green onions

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common pest or disease problem for Raphanus sativus (tama winter radish), and how do I control it?

Black rot and damping-off can show up in Brassicaceae if seedlings stay too wet; watch for yellowing leaves that turn brown and a sour smell near the crown, and remove affected plants immediately. For pests, flea beetles are a frequent issue in radish foliage; cover beds with a fine row cover after sowing and avoid disturbing soil, and if needed use insecticidal soap on the leaves in the early morning.

How often should I water tama winter radish during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture should I aim for?

During the main bulbing period, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—typically about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusted to rainfall and heat. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, but don’t let the bed fully dry out, since irregular moisture can cause cracking and pithiness.

How can I tell when tama winter radish (Raphanus sativus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the radish roots reach their expected size (often around 60 days from sowing) and the shoulders are firm and well-filled. If you gently brush away soil and see a crisp, fully colored root with a tight skin, pull a test plant—if it’s tender and not hollow, harvest the rest.