How to Grow White Icicle Radish Daikon
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White Icicle Radish Daikon
Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus
vegetableWhite Icicle Daikon is a long, slender Asian radish variety prized for its crisp, mild, and slightly sweet flavor. This cool-season crop grows rapidly and can reach 8-12 inches in length with a tender, juicy texture. It's excellent for fresh eating, stir-fries, and Asian cuisine.
When should you plant White Icicle Radish Daikon in your zone?
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Example White Icicle Radish Daikon timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant White Icicle Radish Daikon
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest White Icicle Radish Daikon
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact White Icicle Radish Daikon dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; best grown as a cool-season crop in spring and fall
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Get my White Icicle Radish Daikon timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny green sprouts with cotyledons (seed leaves) emerge within 3-7 days. First true leaves are thin and slightly lobed.
Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 1-2 inches tall. Protect from heavy rain which can wash away seeds.
Early Growth
2-3 weeksSeedlings develop true leaves and root system begins elongating. Tops grow 2-4 inches tall with narrow, serrated foliage.
Water regularly and consistently. Remove weeds to reduce competition. Mulch lightly to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
Root Development
2-3 weeksThe underground radish begins swelling noticeably as the white taproot lengthens. Tops grow bushier with more foliage. Roots become visible near soil surface.
Maintain even moisture to prevent cracking and bitterness. Monitor for pest damage. Thin any remaining crowded plants. Keep soil loose for easy root penetration.
Maturation
1-2 weeksWhite, slender radishes reach full length of 8-12 inches with translucent skin. Shoulders may protrude slightly above soil. Foliage is full and lush.
Continue consistent watering. Begin harvesting when radishes reach desired size (smaller radishes are more tender). Do not wait too long or radishes become pithy and woody.
Harvest Ready
Ready to harvestMature White Icicle Daikon radishes are crisp, tender, and mild with a faint sweetness. They are fully formed and ready for pulling.
Harvest promptly when radishes reach 6-8 inches for best quality. Radishes left in ground too long become tough and fibrous. Store in cool, humid conditions for extended shelf life.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use floating row covers, neem oil, or spinosad. Encourage beneficial insects. Plant trap crops like radish greens to draw beetles away.
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Use row covers over seedlings. Apply beneficial nematodes to soil. Use diatomaceous earth around plant base. Rotate planting location.
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Spray with strong water jet. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps. Reflective mulches deter aphids.
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Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Remove infected leaves immediately. Use fungicide if necessary. Crop rotation helps prevent buildup.
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Handpick and remove. Create barriers with copper tape or diatomaceous earth. Use beer traps. Encourage ground beetles and toads.
Uses
Fresh eating and stir-fries
CulinaryWhite Icicle Daikon has a crisp, mild, and slightly sweet flavor that's excellent eaten raw in salads, sliced fresh as a snack, or cooked in stir-fries. The tender texture and delicate taste make it a staple in Asian cuisines. [source]
Asian pickled vegetables
CulinaryDaikon is traditionally pickled in vinegar and salt solutions for preservation and as a condiment. Pickled daikon (takuan, nukazuke) adds tangy flavor and crunch to Asian meals. [source]
Digestive and respiratory support
MedicinalDaikon radish contains glucosinolates and enzymes that support digestion and have been used in traditional medicine to ease digestive complaints and respiratory symptoms. It provides vitamin C and minerals. [source]
Greens for cooking
HouseholdDaikon radish greens are edible and nutritious, containing high levels of vitamins A, C, and minerals. The tender young leaves can be steamed, sautéed, or added to soups. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeIf left to bolt and flower, daikon produces small white or pale purple flowers that attract bees and other beneficial pollinators. Bolted plants also provide cover and seeds for wildlife. [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 radishes are 6-8 inches long and about 1 inch in diameter at the shoulder—smaller radishes are more tender and less likely to be pithy. Grasp the leafy tops and pull steadily from the soil. Radishes left in ground too long become tough and fibrous. Can be harvested as early as 45 days or as late as 60 days depending on desired size. For continuous harvest, succession plant every 2-3 weeks in spring and fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 White Icicle Daikon radishes are named for their long, icicle-like shape and can grow 8-12 inches in just 45-60 days, making them one of the fastest-growing vegetables.
- 🌱 Daikon radishes are incredibly popular in East Asian cuisines—in Japan, daikon is eaten more frequently than carrots and is a staple vegetable in many traditional dishes.
- 🌱 The word 'daikon' comes from Japanese (大根) meaning 'big root,' and these radishes can be 10 times larger than common red radishes while remaining surprisingly mild and crisp.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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