Winter Radish Violet de Gournay

Winter Radish Violet de Gournay: variety and characteristics

Winter Radish Violet de Gournay (Raphanus sativus) is an annual vegetable of the Cabbage family (Brassicaceae). This is an heirloom variety from Upper Normandy, France. A long and bulky purple winter radish with white flesh and a sweet flavour.

It is 20-30 cm long and 5-10 cm in diameter. The skin is purple and turns black when ripe.

The flower stems reach 1.80-2.00 m. tall. The flowers are white, sometimes purple.

Winter radishes (black, white and purple radish) are sown in summer and produce large, pungent roots that keep through the winter.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 92%
• Seeds per packet: 255–345 pcs (3 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: February and June and July; direct
• Harvest: September and October
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Winter Radish Violet de Gournay

Winter Radish Violet de Gournay seeds are sown in February and June and July. The crop is harvested in September and October. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Winter Radish Violet de Gournay

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 2 cm
• Spacing: 15–20 cm in the row, 30–40 cm between rows
• Germination: 4–7 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Like all radishes, this variety is biennial. Flowers in spring. Sow in the garden from late July to mid-August. Distance between rows approximately 30 cm. Harvest from September and before hard frost. Can be stored all winter in a cool place.

Sow in July–August; water regularly so the roots do not turn woody.

Harvest and use

Harvest before hard frosts and store in sand in a cool place.

Frequently asked questions

When should Winter Radish Violet de Gournay be sown?

The recommended months for sowing are February and June and July. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 255–345 seeds, pack size 3 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 92%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.