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Wasabi

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Bring the authentic flavour of Wasabi (Wasabia japonica) to your garden and kitchen! Known for its bold, spicy rhizome, freshly grated Wasabi offers a clean, aromatic heat that enhances sauces, stir-fries, salads, and more. The leaves and stems can also be used fresh in salads or stir-fries, adding a mild, peppery flavour. Wasabi thrives in cool, shaded, and consistently moist conditions with moderate humidity, making it a perfect choice for shaded garden beds, raised mounds, pots, or even planted near the edge of ponds. Its lush, heart-shaped foliage adds ornamental value to any space. Wasabi loves the shade and humidity, so it’s ideal for filling those tricky spots in your garden where light is limited. In two years, this unique perennial matures, providing a rewarding and delicious gardening experience that will elevate both your garden and your meals.

SKU: TCWASABI001 Category: Tags: ,

Description

Wasabi
Wasabi (Wasabia japonica, family Brassicaceae) is a cool-climate perennial from Japan, valued for its spicy rhizome used in authentic wasabi paste. Unlike horseradish imitations, its flavour is distinct. The rhizome, which takes about two years to be ready for harvest, sits at the base of the plant, surrounded by lush, heart-shaped leaves with a mild, peppery taste perfect for salads, stir-fries, or garnishes.

Climate Requirements & Growing Conditions
In its native habitat, Wasabi grows along shaded, rocky stream beds with flowing water. It thrives in cool, moist, shaded conditions with moderate humidity and temperatures between 8–20 °C. It suits cool to mild tropical climates but can also be grown by creating a microclimate if local conditions don’t align.

To replicate these conditions at home, maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging using well-draining soil and regular watering. Provide shade with trees, shade cloth, or natural cover. In low-humidity areas, misting, humidity trays, grouping plants, or mulching can help maintain moisture. Wasabi also grows well indoors in indirect light or near shaded ponds.

Planting Time & Growth Cycle
Plant Wasabi in autumn or spring when conditions are cool but not frozen, avoiding summer heat and harsh frosts. In warmer regions, plant during cooler months while ensuring conditions stay mild. It doesn’t tolerate frozen soils, making spring the best time to plant in colder areas. It takes about two years to mature, forming lush foliage with ornamental appeal.

Planting Wasabi
Wasabi can be grown in cool to mild tropical regions with consistent moisture, protection from direct sun, and good air circulation. In most areas, it grows best in pots or in locations that are suitable to its needs for shade, drainage, and temperature.

Pots
Ideal for controlling conditions and moving plants as needed.
• Use a 30–40 cm deep pot with free-draining mix (coco peat, sand, bark).
• Add compost.
• Plant about 5 cm deep with the crown exposed.
• Water in gently to settle the mix without firming too much.
• Apply light mulch, keeping it clear of the crown.
• Place in full shade or filtered light.
• Move indoors or shelter during extreme weather.

Planting in the Ground
Wasabi prefers cool, shaded spots with moist, well-drained soil.
• Choose a naturally shaded area, protected from direct sun and wind.
• Improve soil with compost, bark, or perlite.
• Plant roughly 5 cm deep with the crown just above the soil.
• Water in gently without compacting.
• Space 40–50 cm apart.
• Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it clear of the crown. Small pebbles can help reduce soil splash.
• For heavier soils, consider a low mound (15–20 cm high) to improve drainage.

Watering
Keep soil consistently damp but not waterlogged. Water when the top few centimetres are dry, aiming at the base. Reduce watering in winter in cooler climates and increase it during warm, dry spells.

Fertilising
Wasabi benefits from light, regular feeding during active growth.
• Pots: Slow-release fertiliser every 3–4 months or liquid feed every 2–4 weeks.
• In-ground: Fertilise in autumn and spring with compost or a complete organic fertiliser to support healthy growth.
• Vegan-friendly options like seaweed or plant-based fertilisers work well.

Winter & Frost Care
Growth slows naturally in winter.
• Pots: Move to sheltered spots with indirect light to protect from frost and cold winds.
• In-ground: Use raised beds for better drainage, mulch to insulate roots, and use frost cloth on freezing nights.
• Avoid boggy, waterlogged areas in cold weather.

Dry Air & Humidity
Wasabi thrives in humid conditions. In dry air, use a pebble tray with water (keeping the pot above the waterline), group plants to trap moisture, and mist leaves gently on hot days. Shade cloth or natural cover helps protect from drying winds.

Harvesting
Rhizomes mature in about two years. Harvest when firm, bumpy, and 2–3 cm wide, with part visible above the soil. Dense leaf growth and yellowing lower leaves also signal readiness. Harvest gradually or as needed, and always grate it fresh just before serving for an authentic taste.

Propagation
Plants typically last 3–5 years before rhizomes become woody and less productive. While propagation is possible, most gardeners replace older rhizomes for the best results.

Storage
Keep rhizomes unwashed in a paper or ventilated bag in the fridge’s crisper. Use within 14 days for best flavour. When slicing, wash only the portion you need and grate fresh just before serving, as it loses pungency within 15–20 minutes.

Pests & Diseases
• Slugs and snails: Use pet-safe pellets or copper barriers.
• Caterpillars: Remove by hand or use BT spray.
• Crown rot/mildew: Ensure good airflow, avoid overhead watering, and keep mulch clear of the crown.

Safety
Wasabi is edible, including rhizome, leaves, and stems. Most pets avoid it due to its strong, spicy flavour.

Supplied as a dormant rhizome.

Additional information

Price Code

D – Purple Pack
Botanical Name

Wasabia japonica
Quantity in Pack

1 Rhizome
Planting Time

Plant Wasabi in autumn or spring when conditions are cool but not frozen, avoiding summer heat and harsh winter frosts. In warmer regions, plant during the cooler months, ensuring conditions stay mild rather than cold. Wasabi grows best when planted in these cooler periods but cannot tolerate frozen soils, making spring the best choice in cooler regions.
Planting Depth

When planting the Wasabi rhizome, place it 5 cm deep with the crown slightly exposed above the soil surface. The crown is the rounded, more prominent end of the rhizome, where the buds (growing tips) are located. The bottom will be flatter or more tapered, where the roots will grow. Ensure the growing tip is facing upwards to encourage healthy shoot development.
Planting Width

When planting Wasabi in the ground, space the rhizomes 40–50 cm apart. This provides enough room for the rhizomes to grow and spread while ensuring they have access to nutrients and moisture. If planting in a row, make sure there is at least 40 cm between each plant to allow for healthy growth and root expansion.

For potted Wasabi, plant one rhizome per pot to give it enough space to establish and thrive. Ensure the pot is at least 30–40 cm deep with a wide diameter. This allows ample room for the rhizome to grow and for the roots to spread comfortably.
Soil

For in-ground planting, use well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter like compost. Regardless of whether your soil is clayey, sandy, or loamy, adding bark, perlite, or coarse compost helps improve drainage, soil aeration, and moisture retention. For potted Wasabi, use a free-draining potting mix enriched with organic matter such as compost or aged bark to maintain moisture while ensuring proper drainage.
How to Plant

Wasabi thrives in cool, shaded conditions with consistently moist, well-drained soil. For in-ground planting, choose a naturally shaded spot in the garden. For pots, place Wasabi in a cool, sheltered position with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, strong winds, and areas prone to extreme temperatures, as these can stress the plant.

For planting in the ground, ensure the soil is fertile and free-draining. Improve its structure by mixing in organic matter such as compost, bark, or perlite. Plant the rhizome 5 cm deep with the crown slightly exposed and the growing tip facing upwards. Space rhizomes 40–50 cm apart to allow ample room for growth.

Mulching is optional but beneficial. Apply organic mulch such as sugarcane, bark, or coco husk to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Small pebbles can also be used to retain humidity and reduce soil splash. Be sure to keep all mulch clear of the crown to prevent rot. Mulch is best applied in spring or early autumn, and in colder regions it can be used in winter to offer frost protection.

When growing in pots, select a container at least 30–40 cm deep with good drainage. Fill it with a free-draining potting mix enriched with compost or bark to retain moisture while allowing airflow. Plant the rhizome roughly 5 cm deep, ensuring the crown remains just above the soil surface and the growing tip faces upwards.

To help maintain moisture and reduce the risk of crown rot, a thin layer of gravel or small stones can be spread over the surface of the potting mix. Only one rhizome should be planted per pot to give it enough space to develop.

For those with heavier or poorly drained soil who want the best success, planting on low, wide mounds is recommended to improve drainage and reduce the risk of rot. Angled planting on mounds helps encourage bud development along the upper side of the rhizome, improves drainage by directing excess water away, and mimics Wasabi’s natural growth on sloped stream banks to reduce the risk of rot. Space rhizomes 40–50 cm apart to allow ample room for growth. Angling is not necessary if it isn’t planted on a mound, as level planting ensures even growth and good stability in pots or flat beds.
Watering

Water deeply when growing Wasabi in the ground to ensure moisture reaches the root zone. The soil should remain consistently moist but never soggy. Check moisture levels regularly, especially during warm weather, and make sure the area has good drainage to avoid waterlogging. Applying mulch can help retain moisture, but always keep it clear of the crown to prevent rot.

For Wasabi grown in pots, water when the top layer of soil feels dry. Ensure excess water can drain freely from the base to prevent root rot. Potted Wasabi may require more frequent watering, particularly during warm or dry weather.

In cooler climates, reduce watering in winter when growth naturally slows. In warmer regions, increase watering during the active growing season, especially during extended dry or hot periods.
Fertilise

Wasabi is a light feeder and does not require heavy fertilisation. Overfeeding can cause leaf burn or inhibit rhizome development, so it’s important to apply fertiliser sparingly and only when needed. Begin feeding once new growth appears, typically in autumn or spring, and avoid fertilising during summer and winter when growth naturally slows.

For potted Wasabi, use a balanced slow-release fertiliser (for example, NPK around 12:12:12) every 3–4 months, or apply a liquid feed such as seaweed extract every 2–4 weeks.

For plants grown in the ground, apply organic fertilisers such as compost or a complete organic fertiliser in autumn and spring. You can also lightly incorporate additional organic matter as needed to maintain overall soil nutrition.
Division

Wasabi can continue to grow for several years, but it is generally recommended to replace the rhizomes every 3–5 years, as their vigour diminishes over time. Signs of deterioration include reduced growth, woody texture, and lower rhizome productivity. While propagation is possible, many gardeners choose to replace the rhizomes periodically to maintain optimal growth and consistent performance.
Harvest

Wasabi rhizomes take two years to reach maturity. During the plant's active growing periods in spring and autumn, only the foliage should be harvested, while the rhizome is left to continue developing underground. Once mature, the rhizome should be firm and bumpy in texture, similar to horseradish, and about 2 to 3 centimetres thick at the base. Yellowing of the lower leaves is a natural sign that the plant is focusing its energy on the rhizome and may be ready for harvest.

To harvest, wait until the plant is mature, typically around two years old, and growth has slowed. This often occurs in the cooler months. Carefully lift the rhizome using a fork or hand tool. You can harvest the entire rhizome if it's mature, or take only what you need by carefully cutting or digging up a portion and leaving the rest to grow. Trim away excess roots and remove the foliage.

Freshly harvested rhizome is best grated immediately to enjoy its signature pungency and flavour. Once grated, Wasabi begins to lose its heat within 15 to 20 minutes. If not using right away, store the rhizome in a cool, dry place or in the fridge.

The leaves can also be harvested during the growing season from spring to autumn. Only pick a few at a time to allow the plant to continue growing vigorously. Wasabi leaves have a mild, peppery flavour and can be used in salads, stir-fries, or as a fresh garnish. Please note that harvesting times may vary depending on your local climate and growing conditions.
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