How to Grow Purple Yam Labanos Icicle Purple
Wikimedia Commons
Purple Yam Labanos Icicle Purple
Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus
vegetableThe Icicle Purple is a striking Asian radish variety featuring long, slender roots with purple skin and white interior flesh. This heirloom variety combines the crisp texture of traditional icicle radishes with attractive purple coloring and mild, slightly sweet flavor. It's popular in Asian cuisines and makes an eye-catching addition to garden beds and vegetable displays.
When should you plant Purple Yam Labanos Icicle Purple in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Purple Yam Labanos Icicle Purple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Purple Yam Labanos Icicle Purple
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Purple Yam Labanos Icicle Purple
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Purple Yam Labanos Icicle Purple dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; can be grown year-round in mild climates
Sign up free to see if Purple Yam Labanos Icicle Purple grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Purple Yam Labanos Icicle Purple timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
1-2 weeksSeeds sprout within 3-5 days; initial cotyledons emerge followed by first true leaves. Seedlings are delicate and pale green.
Keep soil moist; thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves; provide bright light to prevent leggy growth
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksLeaf development intensifies with feathery green foliage becoming more pronounced; root begins developing underground. Plant remains compact above soil.
Maintain consistent moisture; thin seedlings as they grow; avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which promote excessive leaf growth over root development
Root Enlargement
2-3 weeksRoot swells underground developing the characteristic long, slender shape; purple pigmentation becomes visible as root extends; foliage remains relatively modest
Maintain steady watering schedule; ensure soil is loose enough for easy root expansion; mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool
Maturation & Harvest Ready
1-2 weeksRoot reaches full length (6-8 inches) with deep purple exterior and crisp white interior; flesh becomes firm and flavor mild yet slightly sweet
Monitor soil moisture closely; avoid overwatering which causes cracking; pull test roots to check readiness; harvest promptly at peak size to maintain quality
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil or spinosad spray; dust with diatomaceous earth
-
Use floating row covers; introduce parasitic wasps; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)
-
Use fine mesh row covers; apply beneficial nematodes to soil; rotate planting locations yearly
-
Spray with strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
-
Use yellow sticky traps; apply neem oil spray; vacuum insects with hand-held device
Uses
Fresh Eating & Salads
CulinaryThe crisp, mild flesh of Purple Icicle radishes makes them excellent sliced raw in salads, vegetable platters, and Asian slaw preparations. Their attractive purple exterior adds visual appeal to culinary presentations. [source]
Pickling & Preservation
CulinaryThese radishes are traditional in Asian pickled preparations and Korean kimchi. They maintain excellent texture and color through the pickling process, adding visual interest to preserved vegetable collections. [source]
Cooking & Braising
CulinaryUnlike shorter radish varieties, icicle radishes can be cooked through braising, stir-frying, or roasting, where they develop a sweeter, less peppery flavor. They're particularly popular in Asian hot pot and stir-fry dishes. [source]
Culinary Garnish & Decoration
HouseholdThe striking purple exterior and white interior create visually stunning garnishes and decorative cuts for plated dishes. The long shape allows for creative cutting and presentation techniques. [source]
Digestive Health Support
MedicinalRadishes contain glucosinolates and fiber that support digestive function and are used in traditional Asian medicine to aid digestion and appetite. The peppery compounds stimulate digestive secretions. [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 are firm to touch, typically 50-70 days after planting. Gently loosen soil around the root and pull straight up. Harvest in the morning for best crispness. Young radishes harvested at 4-5 inches are more tender. Store unwashed roots in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to 2 weeks, or in cool, humid conditions for several weeks. Use a soil-appropriate time frame and avoid harvesting during extreme heat.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Purple Icicle radishes are prized in Japanese and Korean cuisines where they're known as 'daikon' and used extensively in traditional fermented foods and celebrations like the Lunar New Year.
- 🌱 The purple pigmentation comes from anthocyanins, the same powerful antioxidants found in blueberries and purple grapes, making them as nutritious as they are beautiful.
- 🌱 Radishes are among the fastest-growing garden vegetables—some varieties mature in just 25-30 days—making them ideal for impatient gardeners and teaching children about plant growth cycles.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Purple Yam Labanos Icicle Purple planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Purple Yam Labanos Icicle Purple seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Purple Yam Labanos Icicle Purple timeline →