Moolis in Parney Heath

Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus

Mooli
Mooli · Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus

A fast-growing Japanese radish for the UK veg patch. Sow direct into a fine, stone-free soil in summer, keep it well watered, and lift roots once they reach a good size and before they get woody.

40 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Parney Heath · last frost ≈ 15 May

Sow June to September, harvest October to November. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Mooli

  1. 01

    Prepare the bed

    15 Jun to 15 Sept

    Work the soil to a fine tilth and remove stones, lumps, and old roots so the roots can grow straight. Do not add fresh manure, because it encourages forking and split roots. Aim to finish this work around 15th June - 15th September.

  2. 02

    Sow seeds

    15 Jun to 15 Sept every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds directly where they are to grow, about deep. Space them lightly in rows and sow a fresh batch every 21 days for a steady run of roots through 15th June - 15th September.

  3. 03

    Protect from root fly

    15 Jun to 15 Sept

    Cover the row with fine insect mesh straight after sowing and keep it sealed at the edges. Leave the cover in place from 15th June so adult cabbage root fly cannot lay eggs near the seedlings.

  4. 04

    Thin seedlings

    21 Aug to 28 Aug

    Thin seedlings carefully once they are up, leaving the strongest plants to stand. Aim for apart, and do the thinning in stages if the row is crowded so you do not disturb nearby roots. This is usually done around 21st August - 28th August.

  5. 05

    Keep growing

    14 Aug to 9 Oct

    Water evenly from 14th August so the roots swell steadily and do not become pithy or split. Keep the bed weed-free and use fleece or mesh if flea beetle or root fly is active.

  6. 06

    Harvest roots

    9 Oct to 13 Nov

    Lift roots as soon as they are large enough to use, usually from 9th October through 13th November. Pull them before they become tough, and leave later sowings in the ground only while the soil stays workable.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Mooli.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Mooli to consider

Miyashige

A reliable white-rooted mooli with long, crisp roots and good flavour in cool UK late-summer conditions.

April Cross

A common fast-maturing daikon type that gives straight roots and is useful where the season is short.

Sakurajima

A large Japanese radish type grown for bigger roots, best given deep, fine soil and enough moisture.

Mooli guides by town

See how Mooli timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.