How to Grow Early Scarlet Globe Radish Icicle

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Early Scarlet Globe Radish Icicle

Raphanus sativus var. sativus

vegetable

Early Scarlet Globe Radish Icicle is a hybrid variety combining the quick maturity and round shape of Scarlet Globe radishes with the elongated, crisp characteristics of Icicle radishes. This cool-season crop produces tender, peppery roots in as little as 25-30 days, making it ideal for succession planting. It's prized for both fresh salads and quick harvests.

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Example Early Scarlet Globe Radish Icicle timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Early Scarlet Globe Radish Icicle

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Early Scarlet Globe Radish Icicle

    Around May 12

    ≈ 25 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Early Scarlet Globe Radish Icicle dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily; tolerates partial shade in summer
💧
Water: Consistent moisture—water deeply 1-2 times weekly. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; inconsistent watering causes cracking and pithiness
📏
Spacing: 2 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 25-30 days
🌱
Planting depth: 0.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost for organic matter Sand to improve drainage Avoid fresh manure (causes forked roots)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-9; cool-season crop performs best in spring and fall

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

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Growth Stages

1

Germination

3-7 days

Seeds sprout and first cotyledons emerge within 3-5 days in cool soil (50-70°F)

Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings at this stage to prevent overcrowding. Remove debris to prevent damping off

2

Early Vegetative

7-10 days

True leaves develop, with 2-4 leaf pairs visible; small taproot begins to enlarge slightly

Thin to proper spacing (2 inches apart) by gently pulling crowded seedlings. Water consistently. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

3

Root Development

10-15 days

Visible globe or oblong swelling at soil surface; leaves grow to 3-4 inches tall; roots bulk rapidly

Maintain even soil moisture and consistent cool temperatures. Side-dress with compost if needed. Monitor for pest damage on foliage. Avoid high nitrogen

4

Maturity

2-3 days (very short window)

Roots reach 1-1.5 inches diameter (globes) or 3-4 inches long (icicle shape); crisp, white, slightly spicy flesh; skin color develops fully

Begin harvesting immediately once mature—leaving in ground too long causes woodiness and cracking. Keep watering consistent until harvest

5

Harvest

1 day (harvest before overmaturity)

Radishes at peak crispness and flavor; skin glossy and firm; leaves still green and fresh

Harvest in morning after dew dries for best crispness. Pull gently or use a spoon to loosen soil. Remove tops and store in refrigerator

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Avoid planting near:

Cabbage Broccoli Cauliflower Kohlrabi Turnip Hyssop

Common Pests

  • Use row covers on young plants; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation occurs; plant trap crops nearby

  • Use floating row covers to prevent adult flies from laying eggs; apply beneficial nematodes to soil; remove affected roots immediately

  • Spray water forcefully to dislodge; use yellow sticky traps; apply insecticidal soap in severe cases

  • Spray with water; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybugs with flowering plants nearby

  • and

    Handpick in early morning; use beer traps or copper barriers; encourage ground beetles and toads

Uses

🍳

Fresh salads and raw consumption

Culinary

Early Scarlet Globe Icicle radishes are crisp, slightly peppery, and excellent sliced raw in salads, on crudités platters, or as a garnish. Their quick maturity makes them popular for achieving fresh radishes in just 3-4 weeks. [source]

🍳

Pickling and preserves

Culinary

Their firm texture makes these radishes ideal for quick pickles and preservation. Pickled radishes add tangy crunch to sandwiches, tacos, and Asian dishes. [source]

🍳

Roasting and cooking

Culinary

When roasted with oil and salt, radishes become mild and sweet with a crispy exterior. They can also be steamed, stir-fried, or added to soups for subtle peppery depth. [source]

💊

Vitamin C and digestive support

Medicinal

Radishes contain vitamin C and glucosinolates, compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Traditionally used in herbal medicine to support detoxification. [source]

🏠

Microgreens and seed sprouts

Household

Radish seeds germinate quickly and produce nutrient-dense microgreens in 7-10 days. Radish sprouts have a sharp, peppery bite and are popular in Asian cuisine. [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 1-1.5 inches in diameter for globes or 3-4 inches long for icicle types. Peak flavor occurs at this size; radishes become woody and bitter if left too long. Harvest in the morning when soil is cool and roots are crispest. Succession plant every 2 weeks for continuous harvests from spring through fall

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Radishes are among the fastest-growing vegetables, with some varieties ready to harvest in as little as 20 days—faster than most salad greens.
  • 🌱 The name 'radish' comes from the Latin 'radix,' meaning root, and these vegetables have been cultivated for over 4,500 years, originating in Southeast Asia.
  • 🌱 Radish seed pods (daikon pods in some varieties) are also edible and can be stir-fried or pickled, making the entire plant useful in the kitchen.

Gardening Terms

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