If planted for a fall harvest, insects are less troublesome. The main stalk and side shoots are ready for harvest once the flower buds start to form. Gai Lohn requires approximately 70 days to reach maturity, although some hybrids are ready for use in 40 - 50 days. Chop the tender stems into chunks, add the chopped leaves and buds into stir fry dishes, or steam lightly until tender crisp. These are large, slow-growing radishes that outdo their spring cousins when it comes to size.
Oriental radishes require a deep, rich soil with all lumps or rocks removed.
They require a lot of water to keep the flavour mild and to avoid becoming woody. Oriental radishes are really best grown as a fall crop. Planted in early summer, you can begin harvesting in September. The radishes keep well into fall with a mulch covering. Time from planting to harvest is approximately 50 - 60 days.