Wasabi has made it as far as Europe, at least in name. Because what is sold as wasabi in this country is usually just dyed horseradish. If you want to taste the original, you have to dig deep into your pocket or grow the plant yourself.

Wasabi is best grown from seedlings

Start with a seedling

Wasabi is a perennial herb whose fleshy root takes two to three years to be ready for harvest. So the cultivation of this plant only makes sense if it is intended for a long period of time. You can start with small seedlings, which you can get for a few euros in stationary garden shops or in online shops.

The somewhat difficult sowing

Theoretically, wasabi can also be grown from seeds, but here several problems await the hobby gardener: the seeds are difficult to obtain in this country, they do not germinate reliably, and it takes even more time until the harvest. If you still want to try it, you should note the following points:

  • sow in spring
  • Keep soil constantly moist
  • first separate after germination
  • plant out later

Suitable location is rare in the home garden

In its native country of Japan, wasabi grows on the rocky banks of mountain streams. Such a humid environment is not easy to find in the home garden. A place close to the pond would be an alternative, but would have to be in the shade. If a damp place is not available, it must be watered diligently. A nutrient-rich soil and constant temperatures are two other growth factors.

Safe cultivation in pots

Since the wasabi's frost tolerance is not sufficient for harsh winters, pot planting is often recommended. The pot should have a drainage hole and a drainage layer to prevent water from accumulating. It must also be at least 30 cm deep because the wasabi forms a long root. The substrate used may be loamy. Also make sure you find a shady and cool place for the pot.

The optimal water and nutrient supply

The soil in which wasabi spreads its coveted roots must always be kept moist. But the water must not stand still! So it is recommended that the soil dries a little before it is poured again. Don't be stingy with the amount of water, so that the wetness gets through to the bottom layer. Under a potted plant there should always be a saucer filled with water. Depending on the needs, the wasabi is poured more modestly in winter.

It is completely sufficient if Wasabi is supplied with flower fertilizer (1.95€) once in the spring. This gives the otherwise sluggish growth of the plant a boost.

tips

During the growing season, make sure the wasabi is surrounded by a temperature between 15 and 20°C.

Safely overwinter wasabi

You should overwinter pot specimens at temperatures just above 0 °C. For example in an unheated conservatory or greenhouse, where there is also some daylight.

Planted out, the wasabi will survive temperatures down to around -8 °C, but must be protected with a thick layer of bark mulch or leaves:

ready for harvest

Even if the green leaves of the wasabi are quite attractive, its rhizome is the piece of desire. After about 2-3 years it will be vigorous enough for harvesting to begin.

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