'Blauer Herbst und Winter' Winter Radish - Raphanus sativus var. niger

'Blauer Herbst und Winter' Winter Radish – traditional autumn and winter radish with a blue‑violet skin and a mildly spicy flavor. 

A robust variety with distinctive blue‑violet roots that are round‑to‑elongated and slightly oval. Its flavor ranges from mildly spicy to aromatic, and the firm white flesh stays stable during storage. The plants grow reliably, produce well‑shaped roots measuring 15–18 cm, and are ideal for autumn cultivation followed by winter storage. Open‑pollinated, excellent for long‑term keeping, and traditionally used for self‑sufficiency and organic growing.

  Origin & History

'Blauer Herbst und Winter' is an open‑pollinated, heirloom radish variety with a long tradition in Central Europe. It belongs to the classic autumn and winter radishes that have been documented since the 19th century and passed down through generations. Botanically, it is part of the Brassicaceae family, the Brassicoideae subfamily, and the genus Raphanus, within the species Raphanus sativus var. niger.

The variety 'Blauer Herbst und Winter' is considered a robust specialty known for its excellent storage qualities. Its distinctive blue‑violet skin, round‑to‑elongated, slightly oval shape, and suitability for late‑season cultivation made it a typical winter vegetable valued in many regions of Europe. The name refers both to its striking coloration and to its use in autumn as well as its ability to be stored throughout the winter months.

Winter radishes of this group were cultivated early in Europe and have been part of traditional diets for centuries, appreciated for their sharpness, durability, and long storage stability. Despite the rise of milder, modern varieties, 'Blauer Herbst und Winter' has been preserved in rural and traditional gardens and is now maintained as a historic, rare variety whose characteristic color, aromatic flavor, and reliable keeping quality have been passed down to the present day.

  Appearance & Characteristics

The plants form a strong leaf rosette and reach a leaf length of about 25–35 cm. The roots are blue‑violet, round‑to‑elongated to slightly oval, and have firm white flesh. Tolerates light frosts down to around –5 °C.

Root details:

• Size: Medium to large, 15–18 cm long

• Shape: Round‑to‑elongated to slightly oval

• Color: Blue‑violet skin, white flesh

• Texture: Firm, crisp

• Flavor: Mildly spicy, aromatic

 Usage & Cultivation Highlights

The roots of 'Blauer Herbst und Winter' are suitable for eating raw, adding to salads, grating for side dishes, and preparing traditional winter meals. They store exceptionally well while retaining their full aroma. This variety is also ideal for cooked and steamed dishes, roasted vegetables, soups, and fermented preparations. Thinly sliced, the radish adds a spicy note to broths, stews, and Asian stir‑fries. When braised or roasted, it develops a mild, slightly sweet flavor, while in pickled form it keeps its characteristic spiciness. Grated, it works well in savory spreads, on bread, and in winter raw‑food dishes. Thanks to its firm texture, it holds its shape during cooking, making it versatile for both hot and cold dishes.

'Blauer Herbst und Winter' is robust, adaptable, and delivers reliable yields outdoors. The plants produce uniform, well‑shaped roots. With their strong root system, they show good tolerance to dry conditions. The variety is slow to bolt and maintains healthy foliage, continuing to grow steadily even under changeable autumn weather. Its consistent root formation makes harvesting easier, while its natural resistance to common radish issues ensures an uncomplicated growing experience. Its excellent storage qualities also make it ideal for long‑term use and self‑sufficiency.

Compared to other radish varieties, 'Blauer Herbst und Winter' stands out for its unique appearance, resilience, and traditional mildly spicy flavor—perfect for anyone who appreciates historic varieties with a distinctive blue‑violet skin.