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Botanical Interests

Rat's Tail Radish Seeds

Rat's Tail Radish Seeds

Regular price $2.69
Sale price $2.69 Regular price
~0.25 g (~18 seeds)
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Product Details

Instead of edible roots, this interesting radish of prehistoric origin is grown for the abundant, slender seed pods that grow above ground on the leafy, 2'–5' plants. The botanical name translates as, "radish with a tail", and it is also called aerial radish or spicy bean. The pods are crisp and tender with a more subtle spiciness than a typical root radish. Makes an interesting addition to vegetable trays, and is delicious pickled and in curries and stir-fry dishes. Plants continue to produce even in hot weather, making them a good summer replacement for cool-weather root radishes.

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  • Variety Info
  • Sowing Info
  • Growing Info

Variety Info

Days to Maturity: 40–50 days

Family: Brassicaceae

Native: Unknown

Hardiness: Frost-tolerant annual

Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Plant Dimensions: 2'–5' tall, 12" wide

Variety Info: Slender, green 3"–12" pods with a mildly spicy flavor similar to root radishes. Pods will grow to 12", but best enjoyed at 3"–6". Rat's Tail radish is closely related to the common root radish, but it is an aerial radish that does not produce an edible root. Instead, it produces edible seed pods above ground. It can be grown in the spring, but also during the summer, as it withstands heat well. 'Rat's Tail' will not produce pods when temperatures fall below 45°F.

Attributes: Frost Tolerant, Heat Tolerant

Sowing Info

When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is above 40°F, ideally 65°–85°F. Successive Sowings: Every 1 to 2 weeks until mid-summer.

When to Start Inside: Not recommended; roots sensitive to disturbance.

Days to Emerge: 5–10 days

Seed Depth: ½"

Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 6"–12"

Row Spacing: 24"

Thinning: When 1" tall, thin to 1 every 6"–12"

Growing Info

Harvesting: Harvest pods when they are 3"–6" long. Harvest regularly to keep plants producing pods. Larger pods become hard, tough and bitter tasting so they should be picked and discarded to boost production of new pods.

4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
Based on 9 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 7 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 1 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
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9 reviews
  • Edward T.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Aug 11, 2024
    5 Stars

    Incredible radish-like flavor with beautiful flowers! I bought this as a more heat-tolerant replacement to traditional in-ground radishes and it will be a garden staple for years to come. The pods are best picked when under three inches or else they get a bit stringy.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Expert
  • Joyce V.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    Jul 28, 2024
    4 Stars

    Not growing very well but it’s been terribly hot.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Expert
  • Sandra G.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Jun 15, 2023
    5 Stars

    I’m am so excited to plant the Rat Tail radishes. I am patiently waiting for the seedlings to emerge.

  • Melissa E.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    May 9, 2022
    5 Stars

    Yes I did complain about the few seeds and y'all immediately sent another package and I am a happy gardener now. Thank You Thank You. I must say that all of the original 10 seeds germinated REALLY quickly and are growing nicely through light frosts. I will be planting more in January or February. I can do that in Central Texas.

  • Nancy
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    May 9, 2022
    5 Stars

    We try to grow this year around. It is easy, fun, and nutritious. Good for me, but especially in the winter, for the beneficials, who need the flowers. The leaves and flowers are edible too. Stunningly attractive, even in January.