radish seed planting depth Daikon Radish Seed for Deer Food PlotsDaikon Radish Seed Cold Season Attraction. Soil Building Performance. Hale Habitat & Seeds Daikon Radish Seed (Raphanus sativus) is a powerful cool season brassica designed to attract deer while dramatically improving soil health. Known for its large, penetrating taproot, daikon radish breaks up compacted soils, scavenges nutrients, and creates ideal conditions for future plantings. Above ground, lush leafy growth provides highly attractive early

Daikon Radish Seed

Cold-Season Attraction. Soil-Building Performance.

Hale Habitat & Seed’s Daikon Radish Seed (Raphanus sativus) is a powerful cool-season brassica designed to attract deer while dramatically improving soil health. Known for its large, penetrating taproot, daikon radish breaks up compacted soils, scavenges nutrients, and creates ideal conditions for future plantings.

Above ground, lush leafy growth provides highly attractive early-season forage. Below ground, the energy-rich tuber becomes increasingly desirable after frost as starches convert to sugars — making it a late-season draw when other food sources decline.

Whether planted alone or as part of a fall blend, daikon radish delivers both immediate wildlife attraction and long-term soil benefits.

Plant it for the deer. Keep it for the soil.

Benefits for Wildlife

• Highly attractive fall forage for deer
• Becomes sweeter and more palatable after frost
• Provides both leafy forage and energy-rich tubers
• Excellent early bow-season attraction
• Supports herd health during nutritional stress periods
• Can serve as a companion crop in brassica or grain blends

Planting Guidelines

• Seeding Rate:
  • 5–8 lbs per acre (broadcast)
  • 3–5 lbs per acre (drilled)
• Planting Depth: ¼–½ inch
• Best Planting Window:
  • Late summer to early fall
  • Plant 6–10 weeks before first frost
• Soil Prep:
  • Firm, clean seedbed recommended
  • Good seed-to-soil contact is critical
• Sunlight: Full sun preferred
• Moisture: Performs best with adequate fall moisture

Fertilization Guidelines

• Conduct a soil test prior to planting
• Ideal soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Brassicas respond well to nitrogen
• Apply 40–60 lbs of nitrogen per acre at planting (per soil test recommendations)
• Adequate phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) improve root and leaf development

Herbicide Guidelines

• Use glyphosate or approved burndown herbicide prior to planting
• Ensure complete weed control before establishment
• Avoid broadleaf herbicides post-emergence (radish is a broadleaf plant)
• Grass-selective herbicides may be used if labeled for brassicas
• Early weed competition can reduce bulb development