German Bier Garten Radish
Raphanus sativus var. caudatus
German Bier Garten Radish, German Beer Radish or Bier-rettich is a nicely sized, plump white radish often served as a refreshing snack in the beer gardens of Germany and during the Oktoberfest. Called "Bierradi" in Bavarian German, this side dish is traditionally prepared with Biergarten Radish sliced extremely thinly in an accordion style, lightly salted and paired with bread, butter or a salted soft pretzel alongside a cold mug of beer. Watch a video of its spiral-style preparation here:
This heirloom variety is native to the Bavarian region of Germany, and is popular throughout Northern Europe. Best if planted in the spring or summer for harvest in the fall through winter months.
Days to maturity: 80
Seeds per pack: 80
Germination rate: 95% on 1/31/2023
Planting / harvesting notes
Directly sow radish seeds in loose soil after danger of frost in early spring, and again in late summer for fall crop. In frost free areas, sow in the fall. Space rows at least 6" apart, and thin seedlings to 2-3" apart within the row.
Seed keeping notes
For seed saving, leave them in for 65-80 days until the pods fully dry and become crunchy/crispy. Harvest the seedhead below the lowest ripe seed pods, and hang in a sunny, dry place if it needs to dry a little more. Thresh seed pods by pushing through screens, rubbing between your hands, or stomping in buckets. Sift out larger chaff and use wind, breath, or fans to winnow away the lighter weight chaff from the seed.