Rat's Tail Radish Seeds – South Asian Heirloom, Crisp & Peppery Edible Seed Pods, Heat-Tolerant, 40–50 Days

Rat's Tail Radish – Edible Pod Radish (Raphanus sativus var. caudatus)

Rat's Tail Radish is one of the most unique and conversation-starting vegetables you can grow. Unlike conventional radishes harvested for their roots, this South Asian heirloom is grown entirely for its crisp, peppery, edible seed pods — which grow up to 6 inches long and hang from the plant like clusters of slender tails. The flavor delivers a pleasantly mild radish heat that's succulent and crunchy when raw, and mellows beautifully when cooked or pickled.

Plants are vigorous, heat-tolerant, and extremely productive, growing 3–4 feet tall and producing up to 50 pods per plant. They bloom prolifically even in high heat — a reliable summer crop when many other vegetables struggle. Grown for generations across South Asia and beyond.

Seed Details

• Type: South Asian Heirloom — Open-Pollinated
• Grown for: Edible seed pods (not roots)
• Pod Length: Up to 6 inches; best harvested at pencil-thickness
• Flavor: Crisp, pungent, mild radish heat; mellows when cooked
• Plant Height: 3–4 feet
• Days to Pods: 40–50 days
• Germination: 4–8 days
• Best Use: Raw snacking, salads, stir-fries, pickling, curries

Growing Instructions

• Sow seeds ¼–½" deep in full sun, 2 weeks after last frost.
• Thin to 12" apart — eat the thinnings in salads!
• Successive sowings every 3–4 weeks throughout summer and fall for a continuous harvest.
• Heat-tolerant and widely adaptable; thrives in tropical and temperate climates alike.
• Moderate watering; well-drained soil preferred.

Harvesting

• Begin harvesting when pods reach pencil thickness — the lowest pods ripen first.
• Best flavor when harvested young and small; older pods become fibrous.
• Use raw in salads, toss into stir-fries or curries, or pickle for a tangy, crunchy condiment.

Select your desired seed quantity above. Open-pollinated heirloom, untreated seed.