French Breakfast Radish Seeds

Sow French Breakfast Radish seeds directly outdoors, since radishes hate having their roots disturbed and develop forked roots after transplant. Push seeds ½ inch deep, 2–3 inches apart, directly into the bed once soil temperatures cool in spring or fall. Germination typically happens in 5–7 days in cool, moist soil, though it can stretch to 10 days if temperatures are very low. The most practical approach for a continuous harvest is succession sowing. Sow a short new row every 2 weeks until the beginning of the summer. 

Full sun is the standard requirement, though light afternoon shade is tolerated in warmer climates without much impact on root quality. Choose loose, well-drained ground with decent organic matter. Compacted or stony soil produces forked, stubby roots. Water evenly and consistently, as irregular moisture is the main reason for cracked or pithy roots. Skip the heavy nitrogen fertilizers, a light compost worked in before sowing is enough for French Breakfast Radish seeds.

Thin French Breakfast Radish seedlings to 2–3 inches apart and water regularly during dry spells. Beyond that, radishes largely take care of themselves. Harvest radishes when they reach 3 inches, at this size the roots are crisp, mild, and exactly what they should be. Give them another week and they turn hollow, spongy, and sharp. Check the bed daily once plants approach maturity. Pull by hand in loose soil or ease out with a fork if the ground is firm. Cut tops off immediately after harvest to slow moisture loss, and refrigerate unwashed for up to a week.