Radishes have become a fall favorite for food plotters because they feed deer and improve the ground at the same time. Tecomate Root King Radish food plot seed, billed as the "King of All Radish," contains a premium daikon radish that grows leafy forage on top and a very large, soil-busting taproot below. This guide covers what it does, how to plant it and how to use it in your plot plan.
What is Root King Radish?
Root King is a select daikon radish seed. Its leafy tops are highly nutritious, and its giant bulbs provide excellent late-season, high-sugar food that deer love. The deep taproot aerates the soil, which Tecomate says results in better water absorption, increased organic matter and greater root penetration.
The seed carries a special coating that Tecomate says improves the growth and health of the plant and the plants around it. It is an extremely high-yielding radish that works as a standalone or mixed with other Tecomate seeds.
Key features of this daikon radish food plot seed
- Protein content: 18% to 22%
- Aerates soil for increased production
- Contains up to 50% coated, pre-inoculated seeds
- Extremely high yield of leafy tops and bulbs
- Late-season, high-sugar bulbs
- Contents: select daikon radish seed
- Sizes: 3.25 lb Standside Series or 25 lb Manager's Line
How to plant radish for deer
Planting time: all zones, fall only.
Seeding rate: 3.25 lbs. plants 1/4 acre; 25 lbs. plants 2 1/2 acres.
Planting depth: 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
Radish seed is small, so keep it shallow. A common approach is to soil test and correct pH, then disc the plot to a clean seedbed with the Impact Implements ATV/UTV disc harrow. Broadcast the seed evenly and roll it with a cultipacker to set it in firm soil. Brassicas such as radishes generally respond well to nitrogen, so follow your soil test recommendations.
For small hunting plots the 3.25 lb bag covers a quarter acre, while the 25 lb bag handles larger fields. Choose the Root King Radish bag size that matches your acreage.
Using Root King in a fall plot plan
- Standalone plot: plant it on its own for a high-yield brassica plot with tops early and bulbs late.
- In a mix: Root King blends well with other Tecomate seeds. Pairing radish with a turnip such as Turbo Turnip or a cereal grain mix gives deer variety across the season.
- Soil building: because the taproot aerates the soil and adds organic matter, radish can be a useful part of a rotation on plots you plan to keep planting.
Tips for a better radish plot
- Avoid planting too thick. Crowded radishes make smaller bulbs.
- Plant into good moisture; brassica seed germinates fast when it has it.
- Expect deer to hit the tops early and work the high-sugar bulbs later in the season, after frost.
Browse more fall blends in our fall food plot seed mix collection or see all food plot seed.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant Root King Radish?
Tecomate lists Root King as a fall-only planting in all zones.
How much ground does a bag of Root King Radish cover?
The 3.25 lb bag plants 1/4 acre and the 25 lb bag plants 2 1/2 acres, at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
Does radish really help the soil?
Tecomate says Root King's large taproot aerates the soil, resulting in better water absorption, increased organic matter and greater root penetration.
Feed deer late into the season while improving your ground: shop Tecomate Root King Radish food plot seed. Find more articles on our blog. Questions? Contact us.