Rat-tailed Radish (Raphanus sativus var. caudatus)
Also known as: mougri · 2 sources cited · Verified
The short answer
- Plant
- Early May to mid August
- Site
- 6+ hours of sun, soil pH 6–7.5
- Biggest risk
- Brassica downy mildew
In the UK, rat-tailed radish go in the ground early May to mid August.
Rat-tailed radish (Raphanus sativus var. caudatus) — annual.
Timing is the decision that matters most in the UK: sowing early May, and that same window applies across all 4 regions covered here.
Core growing advice on this page is checked against named horticultural sources — see References.
Regional Planting Calendar
Quick Facts
At a Glance
Soil & Growing Conditions
Growth Stages
Harvest & Storage
Diseases
Pests
Rat-tailed Radish, a Radish Grown for Its Pods
References
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Botanical family Brassicaceae. Not native to GB/Ireland. Genus Raphanus can be annual, biennial or perennial herbaceous plants, often with lyrate, glaucous leaves, small, four-petalled flowers and indehiscent fruits. Listed as an edible species cultivated as an annual vegetable. This RHS entry is a basic plant profile without full growing-guide detail (no hardiness rating, sun requirement, soil, height/spread, or pest/disease list given) -- supplemented below by The Gourmantic Garden for cultivation specifics not covered here.
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A secondary gardening reference rather than a university or horticultural authority, used for cultivation specifics (sowing depth/spacing, timeline, pests, harvest method) that RHS's basic profile does not cover, not contradicted by it. Grown for its seed pods, not its root -- pods have a mild peppery flavour and crunchy texture, eaten raw, in salads, stir-fries, curries, pickled, fermented, steamed, boiled or roasted. Direct sow 1cm deep, 2-4cm apart, into compost-rich soil in full sun. Grows bush-like to 1m, sometimes over 1.5m, benefiting from staking. Matures in 6-8 weeks; cooler months extend germination time significantly. Keep well-hydrated throughout the growing season. Harvest pods with secateurs once around 7cm long and filled with seeds, before they toughen. Pests: cabbage moth caterpillars (hand-removed) and aphids (hosed or brushed off).
2 independent sources are cited for this crop. Where they disagree - soil pH is the clearest case - every figure is preserved rather than averaged into false precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I sow rat-tailed radish in the UK?
In Southern England, from early May. In Scotland, wait until early May. Treat these as a guide rather than a fixed date — the governing rule is to sow only once frost risk has passed and temperatures are reliably warm enough.
When do I sow rat-tailed radish?
Sow early May to mid August.
What soil pH do rat-tailed radish need?
A pH of about 6–7.5. That span reflects genuine variation between the authorities we cite rather than a single agreed figure — the References section lists each source's exact range.
What problems affect rat-tailed radish?
Our data links 1 disease and 2 pests to this crop. See the sections above for each one and how to manage it.
Plan next season before the problems start
Most of the advice on this page comes down to timing and spacing — sowing at the right moment, rotating beds, and giving plants enough airflow. The UK Garden Planner lays your plot out month by month so those decisions are already made before the season starts.
Get the UK Garden Planner →Instant PDF download · Written for UK growing conditions
Last verified 2026-08-29
Where To Go From Here
Take this crop from reading into a written plan for your own beds.
Plan the next step
Use the printable SoilCommander planner for your region to turn this guide into sowing dates, bed layouts and weekly garden tasks.