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JNB Seed

French Breakfast Radish

French Breakfast Radish

Regular price $3.99 CAD
Regular price Sale price $3.99 CAD
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Striking deep pink roots that fade into bright white tips characterize the French Breakfast radish, known for its exceptional taste. This radish variety stands out with its distinctive elongated shape, perfect for snacking and dipping. Classified scientifically as Raphanus sativus, it features a vibrant red upper part transitioning into pristine white at the bottom. For those new to gardening or looking to diversify their radish crops, the French Breakfast variety is a must-try due to its unique shape and coloration. Not only are they visually appealing, but they are also quick to mature, taking just 24 days, and thrive in cooler temperatures, requiring moist soil to grow well.

The origins of the French Breakfast radish may be shrouded in mystery, but it was James J. H. Gregory from Marblehead, Massachusetts, a noted seed authority, who first introduced them to the market through his 1875 seed catalog. Known for their elegant, elongated form, these radishes are ideally suited for dips and snacking. They favor the milder climates of spring and autumn, making them an excellent choice for gardeners aiming for a successive, ongoing yield.

This variety is celebrated for its old-world charm, showcasing a long, slender body that graduates from a vivid red to a stark white at its base, offering a subtly sweet taste. French Breakfast radishes excel in the cooler seasons of spring and autumn, reaching maturity swiftly in approximately 25 days, making them a quick and satisfying addition to any garden.

    How To Grow

    Sowing: Begin sowing the initial batch of French Breakfast radish seeds in nutrient-rich soil approximately four weeks prior to the anticipated last frost of spring. Plant the seeds at a depth of about 1.3 centimeters and space them 2.5 centimeters apart. As the seedlings emerge, thin them to a spacing of 5-7.6 centimeters or more to allow room for the radishes to grow to a larger size. To ensure a continuous harvest, sow a new batch of seeds every two weeks. Since French Breakfast radishes are not tolerant of high temperatures, it's advisable to avoid planting them during the peak of summer. For a fall harvest and winter storage, sow the seeds about two months before the expected first frost of fall.

    Growing: French Breakfast radishes thrive in soil that is consistently moist and enriched with organic matter such as compost. Ensure the soil remains adequately moist but avoid overwatering to prevent splitting of the radishes.

    Harvesting

    Harvesting French Breakfast radishes at their optimal size, approximately 7.6 cm in length, ensures the best flavor profile and texture. At this size, the radishes have developed their characteristic mildly spicy taste and maintain a crisp, fresh texture that makes them a delight to eat raw. The precise timing for harvest is crucial for capturing the radishes at their peak of freshness, ensuring they provide the crisp bite and zesty flavor that gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike cherish. Waiting for the radishes to reach this specific size allows them to accumulate the right balance of natural sugars and spicy compounds, delivering a flavor that is both invigorating and refreshing.

    Seed Saving

    Seed Saving: To maintain the genetic purity of French Breakfast radishes, it's essential to prevent cross-pollination with other radish varieties. Ensure isolation by planting them at least half a mile away from any other radish types. Allow the radish plants to fully mature, signaling readiness for seed saving when they send up a flowering stalk. As the plant progresses, green pods will form, eventually transitioning to a brown hue. When the pods turn brown, indicating ripeness, carefully pick them from the plant and set them aside to dry for several days. Once dry, the pods can be threshed by hand or gently crushed to release the seeds. Store the harvested French Breakfast radish seeds in a cool, dry location for up to five years, maintaining their viability for future planting seasons. Another method involves waiting for some radishes to flower.

    Extra Facts

    French Breakfast Radish Seeds
    Planting Methods: Direct sowing is recommended. Plant seeds about 1.3 centimeters deep and space them 2.5 centimeters apart. Thin seedlings to a spacing of 5-7.6 centimeters for optimal growth.
    Blooming Season: Radishes typically do not bloom when grown for their roots.
    Planting Season: Plant in early spring, about four weeks before the last expected frost, and in late summer for a fall harvest.
    Latin Name/USDA Zones: Raphanus sativus. Suitable for USDA Zones 2-11.
    Sunlight Required/ Height: Full sunlight is preferred. Height varies depending on the variety, but typically ranges from 10-30 centimeters.
    Shelf Life After Test Date: Approximately 2-3 years if stored in a cool, dry place.
    Seed Type: French Breakfast Radish seeds are open-pollinated.
    Soil Type: Prefers well-draining loam soil.

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