1# FRENCH BREAKFAST RADISH

French Basket Radish (Raphanus sativus) is a classic French market‑style radish, often sold mixed in bunches (“baskets”) and prized for its elongated shape, crisp texture, and mild flavor.

🌱 Variety Overview

• Type: Spring radish

• Root Shape: Oval to slightly elongated

• Size: 1½–2 inches long

• Color: Red to crimson skin with white flesh (some strain variation)

• Days to Maturity: 25–30 days

• Flavor: Mild, slightly sweet, very crisp

• Use: Fresh eating, salads, slicing, crudités

✅ Why Grow French Basket Radish

• Classic European market radish

• Less pungent than many round radishes

• Tender texture even as roots size up

• Attractive mixed‑bundle appearance

• Excellent for quick spring and fall harvests

This type is closely related to French Breakfast radish, but generally a bit rounder and often grown for bunching.

🌤️ Growing Conditions

• Season: Cool‑season crop

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Loose, well‑drained soil

• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0

• Best Temperature: 50–70°F

⚠️ Hot weather causes strong flavor and pithy roots.

🌾 Planting Instructions

• When to Plant:

  • Early spring as soon as soil can be worked

  • Late summer for fall harvest

  • Succession sow every 7–10 days

• How to Plant:

  • Depth: ½ inch

  • Spacing: 1–1½ inches apart

  • Rows: 12 inches apart

👉 Thin early for uniform roots.

💧 Care & Maintenance

• Keep soil consistently moist for crisp roots

• Avoid drought stress (causes bitterness)

• Minimal feeding needed; excess nitrogen favors leaves over roots

• Weed lightly—radishes mature fast but dislike competition

🥗 Harvesting

• Harvest when roots are firm and well‑colored

• Pull promptly for best texture and flavor

• Greens are edible and excellent sautéed or in soups

🌿 Companion Plants

• Lettuce

• Spinach

• Carrots

• Peas

Avoid planting near cabbage family crops if flea beetles are a problem.