Seed Bag Long Black Winter Radish Poids d'horloge

Long Black Winter Radish Seed Bag Poids d'horloge Vilmorin (Reference: 3885441) represents the excellence of traditional French vegetable seed. This heirloom variety, selected by Vilmorin for its exceptional qualities, produces impressive roots that can reach 20 centimetres in length. Its distinctive elongated shape and pure white flesh make it an outstanding root vegetable, appreciated by experienced gardeners and beginners alike.

A versatile vegetable with many benefits

The long black Poids d'horloge radish appeals to all lovers of authentic vegetables looking for both flavour and optimal keeping. This variety proves particularly interesting for families wanting to diversify their vegetable garden with a vegetable that is both nutritious and tasty. Gardeners value its ability to keep for several months after harvest, extending the pleasures of the vegetable garden well beyond the growing season.

In the kitchen, this black radish offers remarkable versatility. Eaten raw, it brings a sharp, crunchy note to winter salads. Cooked, it turns into a melting side dish, similar to turnip, perfect for hotpots and slow-cooked dishes. Restaurant professionals also appreciate this variety for its attractive presentation and its consistent flavour.

Technical and morphological features

This variety stands out for its bulky, elongated roots, which can reach 20 centimetres in length with a diameter of 5 to 7 centimetres. The outer skin has a characteristic deep black colour, contrasting beautifully with the pearly white flesh of firm, crunchy texture. The foliage, a true green, grows as a compact rosette, making care and harvesting easier.

The sowing period runs from March to August, allowing staggered harvests from summer until the first frosts. The growing cycle lasts 10 to 12 weeks depending on the weather. This variety shows excellent cold resistance, tolerating moderate sub-zero temperatures, which naturally extends the harvest period.

Sowing and care techniques

Sowing is done directly in open ground in drills 2 to 3 centimetres deep, with 15 centimetres between rows. The seeds should be spread evenly and then covered with a thin layer of fine soil. Light but regular watering encourages even emergence in 8 to 12 days depending on soil temperature.

This radish prefers a partly shaded position, particularly during summer heat. Thinning is necessary once the seedlings reach 3-4 centimetres, keeping one plant every 8-10 centimetres to allow optimal root development. Care is limited to regular hoeing to keep the soil loose and to moderate but constant watering.

The harvest is done as needed, gently lifting the roots with a garden fork. Black radishes keep perfectly in a cellar, in slightly damp sand, or in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer.

Expert advice and beneficial companions

To optimise your results, stagger your sowings every 15 days from March to August. This technique guarantees regular harvests and avoids premature bolting. The black radish likes deep, well-drained soils enriched with well-rotted compost. Avoid fresh nitrogen applications, which would favour foliage at the expense of roots.

As for favourable companions, the black radish gets on perfectly with legumes such as green beans or peas, which naturally enrich the soil with nitrogen. Crops of spinach or lamb's lettuce between the rows make the best use of space. Avoid planting near brassicas (cabbages, turnips) to prevent attacks by specific pests.

A professional tip is to lightly earth up the plants during growth to encourage root development and prevent them from turning green. Harvesting before hard frosts allows optimal keeping, although this variety tolerates a few degrees below zero.

Technical specifications