Rat's Tail Radish

The Rat's Tail Radish is a unique and fascinating vegetable for the UK gardener because, unlike traditional radishes, it is grown for its edible seed pods rather than its roots. This heirloom variety produces a profusion of long, slender, purple or green pods that have a crisp texture and a classic radish spice. The plant itself is quite large and sprawling, often reaching 1 metre in height, and produces attractive pinkish-white flowers that are very popular with pollinators. It is incredibly prolific and thrives in the UK's summer weather, often producing more pods than a single household can eat. The pods are best eaten when they are young and tender, either raw in salads, pickled, or added to stir-frys. This unusual plant is perfect for those who want a trouble-free crop that is resistant to the soil-borne pests that often plague root radishes. It requires some support due to its sprawling nature.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug.