How to Grow Daikon Radish 'White Icicle'

Daikon Radish 'White Icicle'

Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus

vegetable

White Icicle is a long, slender daikon radish variety prized for its crisp, mild flavor and tender texture. This fast-growing Asian radish produces elongated white roots that can reach 6-8 inches long and are excellent for fresh eating, cooking, or pickling. It thrives in cool-season growing and matures quickly, making it ideal for spring and fall gardens.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

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Water: Consistent moisture is critical; keep soil evenly moist (1-1.5 inches per week). Inconsistent watering causes cracking, pithy texture, or bitter flavor. Mulch to maintain moisture and keep soil cool.

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Spacing: 4 inches

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Days to maturity: 50-70 days

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Planting depth: 0.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining, loose, fertile loamy or sandy loam soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or well-rotted manure Peat moss for moisture retention Rock phosphate for root development Avoid fresh manure which causes forking

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cool seasons and grows best when temperatures are 50-70°F

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

Growth Stages

Germination

7-10 days

Seeds sprout and cotyledons emerge from soil

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early to prevent overcrowding. Maintain soil temperature around 60-70°F for optimal germination.

Seedling/Leaf Development

2-3 weeks

True leaves develop and the plant establishes a small rosette of feathery foliage

Thin to 4 inches apart once second true leaf appears. Remove weeds carefully to avoid root disturbance. Keep soil consistently moist.

Root Development

3-4 weeks

Root begins elongating underground as foliage grows. Above-ground greens become more robust.

Maintain consistent watering to prevent splitting and cracking. Reduce nitrogen fertilization to avoid excessive leaf growth. Ensure loose soil to allow root expansion.

Bulking/Maturation

2-3 weeks

Root reaches full length (6-8 inches) and thickens. The white root becomes crisp and develops its mild flavor.

Continue consistent watering. Monitor for pests and diseases. Check root size by gently uncovering crown; harvest when roots reach desired size.

Harvest Ready

Ready to harvest

Roots are firm, white, and reach 6-8 inches long with tender texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor

Harvest at peak crispness before roots become overly large (which increases woodiness). Can harvest at smaller sizes (4-5 inches) for more tender texture.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lettuce Spinach Carrots Beets Peas Beans Chervil Nasturtium Borage

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) Fennel Dill

Common Pests

Use row covers on young plants, apply neem oil or spinosad spray, encourage parasitic wasps, remove plant debris
Use floating row covers, apply diatomaceous earth around base, use beneficial nematodes, avoid planting near cabbage family
Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), row covers, hand-pick, encourage natural predators
and
Remove hiding spots, use copper barriers, beer traps, handpick, encourage ground beetles
Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps

Uses

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Fresh eating and salads

Culinary

White Icicle daikon radishes have a mild, slightly sweet, crisp flavor ideal for raw consumption. Thinly slice for salads, serve with dipping salts, or use in fresh spring rolls and Asian cuisine. [source]

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Cooking and stir-fries

Culinary

The tender roots can be stir-fried, steamed, boiled, or roasted. They become sweeter and more delicate when cooked, making them perfect for Asian soups, curries, and braised dishes. [source]

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Pickling and preservation

Culinary

White Icicle radishes are excellent for pickling and fermentation, maintaining their crisp texture while absorbing pickling spices. Traditional in Asian fermented preparations like takuan. [source]

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Digestive aid

Medicinal

In traditional Asian medicine, daikon radishes are believed to aid digestion and have mild antibacterial properties. The enzyme content may help with fat and protein digestion. [source]

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Edible leaves and greens

Household

The nutritious feathery tops can be cooked as greens, used in soups, or sautéed with garlic. They are high in calcium and vitamin C, making them valuable for reducing waste. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest when roots reach 6-8 inches long and 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Gently uncover the crown to check size without pulling. Harvest in the morning for maximum crispness. Pull roots carefully to avoid breaking. In cool climates, can leave in ground and mulch for extended harvest. Roots are best harvested within 2-3 weeks of maturity; older roots become woody and hollow. Store harvested radishes in refrigerator with tops removed for up to 3-4 weeks.

Fun Facts

🌱 Daikon literally means 'large root' in Japanese, and White Icicle varieties can grow up to 12 inches long under ideal conditions, though 6-8 inches is standard.
🌱 White Icicle daikon radishes can be harvested at multiple maturity stages—they're tender and mild when small (4-5 inches), but remain edible even when larger, unlike common garden radishes.
🌱 In Asian cuisines, daikon radish leaves (daikon na) are often more prized than the roots themselves and are used in traditional dishes, pickles, and as a nutritious green vegetable.

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