Dutch Wasabi young wasabi plant - approx. 12 cm

Description

Due to high demand, these plants are regularly sold out. However, new ones come into stock every week. If you are just too late, please leave your email address (again). You will be notified as soon as they are available. 

GROW YOUR OWN!

This is your chance to grow your own wasabi at home. The wasabi plant you receive is several months old. The plant forms large heart-shaped leaves in spring and makes a beautiful addition to your garden or balcony. The plant is hardy and with proper care you will grow your own wasabi strain within 2 years. The other parts of the plant are also edible. 

Shipping

The plants are shipped with the utmost care in a plant box. However, it may happen that a branch breaks. No worries, the plant will be recovered within the few weeks. 

For countries other than the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, fresh produce and these plants cannot be combined. Please order them separately. They will be shipped separately.

Wasabi growing guide

Wasabi is a beautiful but rare plant with heart-shaped leaves in early spring small white flowers. Wasabi is a Brassica, native to Japan and is closely related to mustard and cabbage plants.

Wasabi is completely edible and a real flavor enhancer. This beautiful plant is well worth the challenge, so prepare to grow something special with this Wasabi growing guide.

Growing season

Wasabi can be grown year-round. The plant can withstand light frosts and, if shaded, hot summers. In winter, the plant drops its large leaves. These grow back quickly in the spring.

Location

A member of the Brassica family, it is a plant that thrives in cool climates. When temperatures are too warm, growth stagnates. Wasabi grows naturally on the shady wet banks of cold mountain streams. Yet it is also perfectly possible to grow wasabi in the Netherlands.

Wasabi struggles with the intensity of the summer sun. Plant the plant in full soil or in a pot. Preference is outdoors but indoors is also possible. A little direct sunlight, especially in winter, promotes growth. Plant the plant e.g. under higher plants where a little sunlight still gets through.

Water and nutrition

Water the plant daily. Remember that by nature the plant grows in banks, it needs enough water to survive. If the leaves go limp, it is a sign that it is too dry. Don't worry, as soon as you water the plant recovers quickly. Wasabi needs very little nutrition. However, for healthy and productive growth, we recommend adding a little fertilizer every 3 months with a standard plant fertilizer.

How to plant

Wasabi plants grow about 50 cm tall. Place plants at least 30 cm apart or use a pot with sufficient volume e.g. of 30 cm pot. The soil should drain well.

Make sure all the roots are covered but do not plant too deep. Backfill the hole and press gently.

When planting, water well. Mist if necessary to keep plants cool and prevent wilted leaves. Add a layer of compost to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

Pests and diseases

Wasabi can suffer from aphids, caterpillars and slugs.

The best defense against diseases and pests is to keep the plant healthy, the right location with plenty of water. Remove wilted or diseased leaves. Remove aphids and other pests by hand or by blowing off plants with a water hose.

Harvesting

After 18 - 24 months, the first stems will be large enough to harvest. You will see that the plant makes several stems. You can harvest these one at a time but this does carry the risk of infecting the open wounds. In the meantime you can harvest the leaves, stems and flowers.