How to Grow Icicle Radishes

White icicle radish is a European heirloom radish variety that has a more pungent flavor than the red globe varieties. This 4- to 6-inch-long variety gives you more radish in the same amount of space. The snow-white roots are started from seed and mature in 27 to 30 days. Radishes are used to mark rows because of their speedy germination, and are usually replanted at intervals of 10 days for a continuous harvest.

Well-rotted compost or manure
Turning fork or tiller
Fertilizer
Soil insecticide (optional)
Organic insecticide

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a planting location in full sun. Turn 6 inches of well-rotted compost or manure into the top 12 inches of soil. Make sure the soil is loose to enable the white icicle radish roots to grow freely downward, or they will be distorted.
- 2
  Space rows 10 to 12 inches apart, and plant the seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Thin seedlings to 1 to 2 inches apart to allow room for roots to grow.
- 3
  Side-dress white icicle radishes with a high-nitrogen fertilizer at the rate of 1/4 cup per 10 feet of row. Water consistently to avoid slow leaf development, root cracking and hot, bitter roots.
- 4
  Keep weeds under control, because radishes do not like competing with weeds for nourishment. Keep cultivation light and shallow, so as not to damage the roots.
- 5
  Watch for signs of flea beetle damage, and treat the insects with organic insecticide, or use floating row covers to keep them out.
- 6
  Harvest white icicle radishes when the roots reach full size, generally in 27 to 30 days. Remove the tops, wash the roots and store the vegetables in the refrigerator in plastic bags to retain moisture. Radishes will store up to four weeks.

Carrots Grown in a Box

How to Grow Cebollas

Growing Vegetables