French Breakfast 3

Radish

25d to harvest

Crisp as fresh-cut glass, French Breakfast 3 radishes burst with a bright, peppery snap and a clean, sweet finish. Their classic half-long shape shows a vivid white base blushed with rosy-red shoulders, delivering tender, juicy flesh that stays pleasantly crisp at harvest. Ideal for fresh market-style bunches—perfect for slicing into salads, topping sandwiches, and adding zing to spring platters, or for quick pickling to keep their lively bite on hand.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 10a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Oct 26th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	25
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common French Breakfast radish pest or disease, and how do I control it?

For Raphanus sativus, watch for flea beetles, which chew small holes that stunt roots and can make seedlings look shredded. Use row cover immediately after sowing (and keep it on until plants are established) and apply insecticidal soap if you see active feeding. If you notice damping-off or slimy, collapsed seedlings, avoid overwatering and water only to keep the top layer lightly moist, not soggy.

How often should I water French Breakfast radish during the main growing phase?

During the ~25-day growth period, keep the soil consistently evenly moist so roots form quickly and stay tender—aim for light, frequent watering rather than long soak cycles. In practice, water whenever the top 1 inch of soil starts to dry, typically every 1–2 days in warm weather and less often in cool or cloudy conditions. If the soil swings from dry to wet, radishes are more likely to become woody or pithy.

How can I tell when French Breakfast radish is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the roots reach about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across and the tops are clearly sized—French Breakfast radish is typically ready in about 25 days from sowing. Don’t wait for full size beyond that point, because prolonged time in the ground can lead to spicier, tougher, or hollow roots. You can gently pull one test plant; if the root is crisp and fully colored, harvest the rest promptly.