How do you plant French Breakfast radishes?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.French Breakfast radishes require precisely the right conditions to reach their signature oblong shape. These crunchy radishes prefer cooler weather, ranging from 50°F to 65°F. Prepare loose soil, free of rocks, and compacted layers. Good drainage helps avert waterlogged roots, which can split. Timing is the biggest factor for this variety.
Soil Preparation
- Test soil pH: ideal range 6.0-7.0
- Mix 2-inch compost layer into topsoil
- Remove stones deeper than 4 inches
Seed Sowing
- Create 0.75-inch deep furrows with hoe handle
- Drop seeds every 1.5 inches along rows
- Cover lightly with fine soil or vermiculite
Watering requires consistency for uniform growth. Measure 1 inch by using a rain gauge weekly. Wet the soil deeply rather than sprinkle lightly daily. Drip irrigation is ideal because it keeps the foliage dry. If the weather is hot, add 20% more water to help prevent pithiness.
Harvest when roots are 1-inch thick. To check the size, gently pull a radish. The crispest texture is achieved when the crop is harvested in the morning. If you're going to store them in the fridge, make sure the greens are plugged in. I found they lasted two weeks in bags with perforation and a wet paper towel.
Addressing issues when growing French Breakfast Radish. If there's a hot spike in temperatures, bolting may occur. Use a shade cloth if temperatures are above 75°F. Split roots are a sign of over or under watering. Woodiness is an indicator it is not ready for harvest. Pest damage looks like holes: apply neem oil at first sight of damage.
Read the full article: When to Plant Radishes: Expert Tips
