About Forage Radish
Forage radish (daikon/tillage type) is a cool-season annual brassica that doubles as a soil improvement tool — the large taproot penetrates compacted subsoil up to 18 inches deep, decomposing over winter to leave channels that improve drainage and aeration for subsequent crops. Deer dig out and consume the energy-rich roots throughout late fall and winter, especially after frost sweetens them. It is one of the most economical and productive cool-season additions to brassica or grain-brassica blends.
How much Forage Radish seed per acre?
The standard broadcast seeding rate for Forage Radish is 8–12 lbs per acre, dropping to about 7 lbs per acre when drilled. 8–10 lb/ac broadcast for a pure stand; reduce to 2–3 lb/ac in a brassica or cereal-brassica blend. Radish establishes quickly and can dominate a blend if over-seeded. The calculator above scales this to your exact plot size and converts it into the number of retail bags to buy.
When to plant Forage Radish
Forage Radish is a cool-season crop. In the northern US, plant in Aug–early Sep; farther south, plant in Sep–early Oct. Sow it 1/4" deep and plan on 60–70; roots most attractive post-frost.
Soil, pH & fertilizer
Aim for a soil pH near 6.2(don't go below ~5.8). 150–200 lb/ac 34-0-0 (actual N) plus P and K per soil test. Heavy nitrogen user. Not sure where your soil sits? Read our soil test & lime guide.
Forage Radish blends well with cereal rye, turnips, rape, oats, Austrian winter peas, crimson clover if you want a more diverse, resilient plot.
Forage Radish FAQ
- How much Forage Radish seed do I need per acre?
- Broadcast Forage Radish at about 8–12 lbs per acre, or 7 lbs per acre if you drill it. 8–10 lb/ac broadcast for a pure stand; reduce to 2–3 lb/ac in a brassica or cereal-brassica blend. Radish establishes quickly and can dominate a blend if over-seeded.
- When should I plant Forage Radish?
- In the northern US plant in Aug–early Sep; in the South plant in Sep–early Oct. Expect 60–70; roots most attractive post-frost.
- What soil pH does Forage Radish need?
- Forage Radish does best at a soil pH around 6.2 (minimum ~5.8). 150–200 lb/ac 34-0-0 (actual N) plus P and K per soil test. Heavy nitrogen user.
- Do deer like Forage Radish?
- Deer preference: high after frost — energy-dense roots (converted starches to sugars); pulled from ground by deer in late season.