How to Grow White Icicle Radish
Wikimedia Commons
White Icicle Radish
Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus
vegetableWhite Icicle is a long, slender white radish with a mild, crisp flavor and tender texture. Unlike round red radishes, it has an elongated shape similar to an icicle and a longer growing season. It's excellent for fresh eating, salads, and can be stored for several weeks.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant White Icicle Radish 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 White Icicle Radish timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant White Icicle Radish
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest White Icicle Radish
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact White Icicle Radish dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; can be grown in cooler zones with succession planting
Sign up free to see if White Icicle Radish grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my White Icicle Radish timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
5-7 daysSeeds sprout and first cotyledons emerge above soil
Keep soil consistently moist; thin seedlings to proper spacing when first true leaves appear; thin early to avoid crowding
Seedling & Leaf Development
2-3 weeksTrue leaves develop; plant begins establishing root system and growing foliage
Maintain even soil moisture; remove any competing weeds; ensure adequate sunlight to prevent leggy growth
Root Development
3-4 weeksPlant focuses energy on expanding the white taproot below ground while foliage continues to grow
Continue consistent watering; avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes foliage over root growth; do not disturb soil around plants
Maturation
2-3 weeksRoot reaches full size (5-7 inches long); texture becomes crisp and tender; flavor develops
Maintain regular watering schedule; harvest promptly when mature to prevent tough, pithy roots; monitor for bolting in warm weather
Harvest
Harvest as neededRadish is fully developed, white, crisp, and ready to pull
Harvest when 5-7 inches long; pull gently to extract entire root; can be stored in refrigerator for 2-3 weeks
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use row covers; dust with diatomaceous earth; spray with neem oil; remove debris where beetles overwinter
-
Use floating row covers; apply beneficial nematodes to soil; practice crop rotation; seal plant bases with diatomaceous earth
-
Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
-
Rotate crops; plant resistant varieties; solarize soil; maintain proper soil drainage
Uses
Fresh salads and eating
CulinaryWhite Icicle radishes are crisp, mildly peppery, and perfect for slicing into salads, slaws, or eating fresh as a crunchy snack. Their tender flesh makes them ideal for fresh consumption. [source]
Cooking and roasting
CulinaryUnlike hot varieties, White Icicle radishes become mild and slightly sweet when roasted or cooked. They can be roasted, stir-fried, or added to soups. [source]
Pickling and fermentation
CulinaryTheir firm texture makes them excellent for pickling whole or sliced, and they ferment well for probiotic foods. [source]
Digestive and detoxification aid
MedicinalRadishes contain glucosinolates and sulfur compounds that may support liver function and digestion. Traditionally used to stimulate bile production. [source]
Beneficial insect habitat
WildlifeRadish flowers and foliage provide early-season food for pollinators and beneficial insects when allowed to bolt. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
White Icicle radishes are ready to harvest 60-70 days from planting when roots reach 5-7 inches long. Gently pull or loosen soil and extract the entire root. Harvest regularly to encourage more growth and prevent woody, tough roots. Can be harvested younger (3-4 inches) for extra tenderness. Store unwashed in refrigerator in perforated plastic bags for up to 3 weeks. For successive harvests, plant seeds every 2-3 weeks in spring and again in late summer for fall harvest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 White Icicle radishes are longer and milder than round red radishes, making them a popular choice in Asian cuisines and modern American salads.
- 🌱 Unlike many radish varieties that quickly become pithy and hot, White Icicle maintains a tender, mild flavor for a longer harvest window.
- 🌱 Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables and can go from seed to harvest in as little as 30 days for early varieties, though White Icicle takes longer due to its larger size.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized White Icicle Radish planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start White Icicle Radish 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 White Icicle Radish timeline →