Wasabi lovers, have you ever thought about growing your own plants? With its vibrant green leaves and spicy flavour, growing your own wasabi allows you to enjoy the fresh and authentic taste in your dishes.
Planting Calendar
Wasabi plants are avaliable in early spring.
Harvest In
2 years
At harvest the whole plant is removed from the ground, the rhizome will protrude above the ground when ready to harvest. Each wasabi plant will produce small plantlets, and when you are harvesting the rhizome, remove the side shoots and plant them as you may get up to 4-6 new plants.
Prepare
Wasabi is a Japanese moisture and shade-loving herb naturally found alongside gravelly mountain streams. This evergreen perennial has heart shaped leaves and swollen tap roots or rhizomes that protrude above ground when ready to harvest. It grows to about 60 cm high and wide.
Position
Wasabi grows best in shade with free-draining rich soil. It prefers a humid environment in summer. Wasabi can be grown either in the ground or in a large pot.
Soil
When grown in the ground plant into a soil rich in compost, if growing in pots then plant into container mix. Add a layer of gravel on top to encourage the roots to grow down into the compost.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets, then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. When planting into containers plant in Kings Container mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Wasabi likes regular water, but it doesn't like standing in water, so water consistently but avoid water logging the soil. Spray with a fine mist of water every day in warm weather to prevent them drying out.
Feeding
Feed with Aquaticus Garden Booster to encourage strong growth and root development.
Protecting
Protect from sun and heat by covering with 70% shade cloth if needed. Slugs and snails can be a problem so apply applications of Quash and re-apply after rain.
Mulching
Mulching with a layer of fine gravel will encourage roots to grow down into the compost.
Spraying
Wasabi is a member of the Brassica family so can be affected by caterpillars, white fly. Treat by spraying with Bioneem.
Pruning
Remove yellowing leaves at the bottom of the plant as it grows, which over time promotes the growth of the rhizome.
Expert Tip
Once grated, wasabi’s heat diminishes quickly – after 10-15 minutes, it’s gone – so always serve it freshly grated.
Tip
Each wasabi plant produces small plantlets that rise from the crown. When harvesting the rhizome, remove these side shoots and plant them – you may be lucky enough to get 4-6 new plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water wasabi?
Wasabi likes regular water, but it doesn't like standing in water, so water consistently but avoid water logging the soil. Spray with a fine mist of water every day in warm weather to prevent them drying out.
When can I harvest wasabi?
At harvest the whole plant is removed from the ground, the rhizome will protrude above the ground when ready to harvest. Each wasabi plant will produce small plantlets, and when you are harvesting the rhizome, remove the side shoots and plant them as you may get up to 4-6 new plants.
How do I protect wasabi from pests and diseases?
Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, and aphids, which can damage the plant. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or hand-picking pests. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
What type of soil is best for wasabi?
When grown in the ground plant into a soil rich in compost, if growing in pots then plant into container mix. Add a layer of gravel on top to encourage the roots to grow down into the compost.
How much light does wasabi need?
Wasabi needs indirect light or partial shade. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to wilt and the plant to suffer.