White Icicle produces long, slender, and tapered roots measuring 4 to 5 inches. The roots have a bright white skin and crisp, tender flesh, making them perfect for fresh eating. This variety is excellent for forcing under glass or growing in the garden, offering consistent quality and mild flavor.
Radish Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow radish seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring, typically 4–6 weeks before the last frost date. For a continuous harvest, sow seeds every 2 weeks through late spring and again in late summer for a fall crop.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot or an area with partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Radishes prefer well-draining, loose soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6–8 inches, removing rocks and debris. Incorporate compost or a balanced fertilizer to improve fertility.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows.
- Space rows 12 inches apart for optimal airflow.
- Thinning: Thin seedlings to 2–3 inches apart once they are about 1 inch tall to give each radish room to grow.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist to encourage rapid growth and prevent radishes from becoming woody or splitting.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Radishes are best sown directly outdoors. However, if starting indoors, sow seeds 2–3 weeks before the last frost date.
- Containers: Use deep trays or pots with good drainage and loose soil to prevent root deformation.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 1 inch apart.
- Cover lightly with soil mix and water gently.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 50–65°F (10–18°C) for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 3–7 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant carefully to avoid root disturbance, spacing plants 2–3 inches apart in rows.
General Care Tips for Radishes
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth. Radishes can tolerate partial shade but may grow slower.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid letting the soil dry out, which can cause radishes to bolt or become woody.
- Fertilizing: Radishes are light feeders. Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of root development.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Mulching helps suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture.
- Harvesting: Harvest radishes when they are firm and about 1 inch in diameter, typically 3–4 weeks after sowing. Pull them gently from the soil to avoid damaging neighboring plants.
- Succession Planting: To ensure a steady supply, sow radish seeds every 2 weeks during the growing season.
