The cultivation of wasabi begins with a first seedling. In a garden center, however, it is not part of the standard range. So where do you get it from when you can't find this rare plant in nature or in the neighbor's garden?

Wasabi seedlings are not expensive

Wasabi can be propagated from seed

You can obtain your own seedlings by sowing. However, there are a few hurdles that are not easy to overcome. Because if you look for seeds of this plant from Japan in a garden center, you will almost never find them. Even well-stocked online shops still rarely have these seeds in their range.

And if you do manage to get a few seeds, the germination rate can be disappointing. If that worked out anyway and you can grow a few seedlings, you have a long time ahead of you until harvest.

This is how the sowing takes place

Increase the chances of germination by getting the seeds right. First wait until spring and then follow the supplier's sowing instructions. However, the following points are always mandatory:

  • a consistently moist soil
  • the isolation of the seedlings
  • Transplant only when the seedlings are strong

Commercial seedlings

Wasabi seedlings are now available not in everyone, but in some garden centers. Online plant shops also offer young plants. The price is affordable for everyone. Buy and plant wasabi seedlings in spring to give the plant a good chance to grow.

tips

The seedling can live for several years, during which time it has to survive a few winters. Since wasabi is only partially hardy, it is better to plant it in a deep pot. This makes it easier to overwinter frost-free indoors.

The main varieties of wasabi

If you want to grow wasabi, then in this country you can be lucky to find a plant at all. In Japan, on the other hand, several varieties of wasabi are cultivated. These are the three best known:

  • "Daruma" also produces plenty in normal soil. Its widely branched rootstocks have a pleasant aroma.
  • 'Mazuma' grows slowly, forming thick, short tubers with a wonderful aroma. This strain is hardy and less susceptible to disease. It is often offered in this country.
  • The third variety "Midor" is suitable for wet cultivation, like the wasabi of natural origin. Although it is difficult to germinate, as a seedling it quickly grows into a beautiful plant. Only heat does not tolerate this strain well.

Category:

Vegetable garden