Grow your own wasabi: Here's how
What's the story
Growing wasabi at home is a difficult but rewarding task for green thumbs.
This special plant requires specific conditions, including a cool, shaded environment and soil rich in organic matter.
With patience and proper care, you can successfully cultivate wasabi.
This guide provides information on creating the perfect environment and tips for maintaining healthy plants.
Environment
Choosing the right environment
Wasabi prefers cool, shaded conditions with high humidity.
Ideal temperatures for growth range from seven degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius.
Direct sunlight is detrimental to the plant; hence, ensure to provide shade or filtered light.
If your region is hot, it might be a good idea to grow wasabi inside your home, where you can control the temperature and humidity.
Soil preparation
Preparing the soil
The soil for wasabi needs to be organic-rich and well-draining.
A combination of sand and compost is ideal as it facilitates good drainage while supplying essential nutrients.
The soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging from six to seven, for the best growth.
Monitor soil moisture regularly because wasabi likes to remain evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Planting
Planting wasabi rhizomes
When planting wasabi rhizomes, they should be spaced approximately 30 centimeters apart. This spacing provides enough room for them to grow.
You need to plant them just below the surface of the soil, making sure that their buds are pointing upwards.
After planting, you should water the rhizomes well to help settle the soil around them.
But, avoid overwatering as too much moisture can cause root rot, a common problem in poorly drained soils.
Maintenance
Maintaining your wasabi plants
Proper care and maintenance is crucial for thriving wasabi plants.
Monitor for pests like slugs that can harm leaves, and employ natural repellents if needed.
Fertilize every couple of months with a balanced fertilizer designed for leafy greens, but avoid over-fertilizing as this can damage your plants.
Harvesting
Harvesting tips
Wasabi takes approximately 18 months to mature when grown from rhizomes.
To harvest, look for mature plants with thick stems and simply pull them gently from the ground, taking care not to damage the surrounding roots or foliage, which can continue to produce new shoots even after initial harvests have been successfully made.