How to Grow Chinese Green Luobo Radish

Chinese Green Luobo Radish

Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus

vegetable

The Chinese Green Luobo (also called Green Radish or Qingcai Luobo) is a large, mild radish variety with pale green or white exterior and crisp, tender flesh. Unlike peppery Western radishes, it has a subtle, slightly sweet flavor and is commonly used in Asian cuisine both raw and cooked. These radishes can grow quite large, up to 12 inches long, and are extremely versatile in the kitchen.

Looking for a specific variety?

Green Luobo Misato Green Shinrimei Nerima Sakurajima White Japanese Long

When should you plant Chinese Green Luobo Radish in your zone?

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Example Chinese Green Luobo Radish timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Chinese Green Luobo Radish
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Chinese Green Luobo Radish
Around Jun 6

≈ 50 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chinese Green Luobo Radish dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times per week, providing about 1 inch of water weekly. More frequent watering in hot weather promotes tender roots and prevents woodiness. Inconsistent watering causes cracking and bitterness.

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Spacing: 4 inches

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Days to maturity: 50-70

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Planting depth: 0.5

Soil

Type: Well-draining, loose loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Peat moss or coco coir for moisture retention Sand for drainage improvement if soil is clay-heavy Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; can tolerate zones 10a in cool seasons

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

1-2 weeks

Seeds sprout in 3-7 days. First true leaves emerge; seedlings are delicate with thin stems and cotyledons.

Keep soil evenly moist but not saturated. Thin seedlings to proper spacing (4 inches apart) when they have 2-3 true leaves to reduce competition. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth.

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Plants develop 4-6 true leaves and begin establishing root systems. The characteristic long taproot extends deeper into soil.

Maintain consistent moisture. Apply mulch around plants to conserve moisture and keep soil cool. Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for pest activity.

Root Expansion

2-3 weeks

Visible thickening of the root/radish body begins. The top of the radish may push slightly above soil surface, showing pale green coloring.

Consistent watering is critical during this stage. Water at soil level to avoid wetting foliage. Maintain even moisture to prevent splitting, woodiness, or bolting. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer if plants show excessive leafy growth.

Maturation & Harvest Ready

Varies; typically ready 50-70 days from seeding

Radishes reach full size (typically 8-12 inches), developing their characteristic pale green or white exterior with crisp white interior. Leaves are full and healthy.

Harvest promptly when radishes reach desired size (typically 1.5-2 inches diameter at shoulder). Delayed harvest can lead to woodiness and a hollow center. Continue watering until harvest to maintain quality.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lettuce Spinach Peas Beans Carrot Beet Chives Parsley Nasturtium

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower) Fennel Hyssop Dill in large quantities

Common Pests

Use row covers during early growth. Dust with kaolin clay or neem oil. Encourage beneficial predators. Remove debris where beetles overwinter.
Use row covers immediately after planting. Apply diatomaceous earth around soil surface. Rotate crops yearly. Remove and destroy infested plants.
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings. Plant attracting plants like alyssum nearby.
Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Improve air circulation around plants. Remove heavily infested leaves.
and
Handpick in early morning or evening. Create copper barriers around plants. Use slug traps with beer. Apply diatomaceous earth around base.

Uses

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Fresh & Cooked Preparations

Culinary

Green Luobo radishes are milder and sweeter than Western radishes, making them excellent for raw consumption in salads, slaws, or as a crudité. They are also commonly stir-fried, steamed, braised, or pickled in Asian cuisines, becoming tender and adding subtle sweetness to dishes. [source]

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Traditional Asian Cuisine

Culinary

A staple in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cooking, Green Luobo is used in soups, hot pots, dim sum dishes, and as a garnish. The greens are also edible and nutritious, used in stir-fries and soups. [source]

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Digestive & Respiratory Support

Medicinal

Traditional Chinese medicine uses radishes for digestive support and to clear respiratory congestion. Radishes contain compounds thought to aid digestion and have mild antimicrobial properties, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

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Nutritional Value

Household

Green Luobo radishes are low in calories but rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They provide antioxidants and support hydration due to high water content (95%), making them a nutritious addition to any diet. [source]

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Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

If allowed to bolt and flower (past harvest), Green Luobo produces small white or pale purple flowers that attract bees and beneficial insects. The flowers are also edible and mildly peppery. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest when radishes are 1.5-2 inches in diameter at the shoulder, typically 50-70 days after planting. Gently pull from soil or loosen with a garden fork to avoid breaking. Harvest in the morning for maximum crispness. Smaller radishes are typically more tender and mild; larger ones may develop a hollow center. Green Luobo radishes can tolerate some size variation, but delayed harvest increases woodiness. Cut off greens after harvesting, leaving a small stem stub. Store in refrigerator in perforated plastic bags for up to 2-3 weeks.

Fun Facts

🌱 The name 'Luobo' comes from Chinese and literally means 'radish.' Green Luobo varieties are prized in East Asian cuisines for their mild flavor, unlike the peppery Western red radishes that many Westerners are familiar with.
🌱 Chinese Green Luobo radishes can grow quite large—sometimes 12+ inches long—without becoming woody or excessively peppery, unlike smaller radish varieties. This makes them ideal for larger harvests and storage.
🌱 The entire plant is edible: the root radish, the leaves (greens), and even the seed pods and flowers can be consumed. In Asian cuisine, nothing goes to waste—the greens are often used in stir-fries and soups.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Bolt Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade True Leaves

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