Raphanus sativus This variety is prized for its crisp, juicy, and slightly pungent seed pods, which offer a flavour reminiscent of radish roots. Harvest the pods when they are green, tender, and under 2 inches long to avoid fibrous texture. They are excellent for snacking straight from the plant or adding a fresh crunch to salads.
The plants bolt quickly, often without forming bulbs, though delayed bolting in some plants can lead to modest bulb development. Leaves are long and green, while the prolific pink flowers add ornamental appeal. The plants grow large and tall but adapt well to crowded conditions.
This variety was acquired by SSE from Shane Murphy through the 2001 SSE Yearbook Exchange. SSE Accession #118843. CA MU S sourced seeds from Bountiful Gardens in 1995, which has consistently offered this variety since then under the name “Munchen Bier,” a cultivar thought to predate 1885. Historical records suggest the “Madras” radish, originating in Java and later cultivated in India, was introduced to the U.S. in the mid-19th century. However, horticultural descriptions from the 1860s mention pods 8–12 inches long—significantly larger than the contemporary version described by Bountiful Gardens. The relationship between this variety and the historical “Madras” radish, or the “Munchen Bier” sold by Vaughn’s Seed Store in 1894, remains unclear.
These heirloom radish seeds are available directly from Garden Faerie Botanicals in the heart of British Columbia, Canada. The collection features heirloom and heritage seeds that are personally cultivated organically without the use of any chemicals. Emphasizing historical, rare, non-GMO seeds, this selection preserves biodiversity through open-pollination.
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