The barbed , assertive flavor of wasabi ( Wasabia japonica ) belies its delicacy as a plant . It requires very specific growing conditions and , as a result , is rarely cultivated outside its native Japan . hardy gardeners in cooler mood may have success cultivating wasabi if its needs are met .

The pungent , self-assertive flavor of wasabi ( Wasabia japonica ) belies its delicacy as a plant life . It requires very specific growing conditions and , as a resultant role , is rarely tame outside its aboriginal Japan . audacious gardeners in cooler climate may have achiever cultivate wasabi if its need are met . However , it assume approximately two years to grow a crop of rootstalk and is alternatively best grown as an ornamental for its succulent , Nelumbo nucifera - similar foliage .

Climate Considerations

Wasabi come naturally along shaded waterways high in the mountains of Japan , so it has adapted to cool , moist conditions . gardener within U.S. Department of Agriculture works hardiness zone 8a to 10b have the best luck growing wasabi , especially in coastal orbit where temperature persist steadily coolheaded year - round . However , even within the ideal climate reach , the growing location must be carefully take and prepared to limit strain to the plants .

Growing Conditions

Shade and moderate temperatures are vital to grow wasabi . The plants perform easily under bright , moderately shaded locations with northern exposure where daytime temperatures abide between 50 and 70 level Fahrenheit . Damage can occur if temperature rise above 80 arcdegree or if they dip below 40 grade , with permanent frost impairment occurring below 27 degrees . In arena with hot , juiceless summertime or cold winters , wasabi should be grown in pots fill up with organically rich potting soil so they can be moved indoors during times of inclement weather .

Soil and Spacing

Soil and spacing have a outstanding impact on the longterm wellness and verve of wasabi plants . sluttish , fast - draining dirt with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is dependable , although it will also tolerate more or less sandy grime . Amend heavy soil with a 10 - column inch - duncish layer of compost process into the top 8 to 10 column inch of soil to ameliorate its drainage and nutrient content . fledged wasabi plants reach a height of 8 to 18 inch tall with a 12 - inch counterpane . Space them 9 to 12 inch apart to provide adequate blank space for root production , and spread a 2 - column inch layer of mildly acid mulch between them to keep down skunk and economize dirt wet .

Moisture Matters

Due to their semi - aquatic origins , wasabi plant flourish under moist conditions . Constantly flowing water supply is not necessary , but their soil must be sporadically flooded with clean , 45- to 60 - level Fahrenheit water to keep the solution and foliation salubrious . urine daily during the summertime calendar month , but leave the filth open to dry slightly before watering again to prevent rot . If sign of stress such as droop leaves or yellow pass off during hot weather condition , increase water to double daily . cut down watering by half during the winter months and deduct all water supply during rainy , cold-blooded weather .

Fertilizer Requirements

Wasabi plants are not heavy feeders and seldom require fertilizer if planted in rich , organic dirt . However , onetime plants or those in sandier land may profit from flow in mid - leaping and midsummer to better their maturation . Side - dress the plants with a 3 - inch stratum of well - rotted green manure to provide a unremitting source of food , or use a sluggish - release , general aim fertilizer with an N - P - K issue of 10 - 10 - 10 or 12 - 12 - 12 . Apply the fertilizer to pre - moistened filth at a rate of 2 to 2 1/2 pounds per 100 square fundament .

Special Considerations

pest seldom trouble wasabi plant , but they are susceptible to stress and harm under poor grow condition and snail and biff can be problematic . Sunburn is one vulgar problem with wasabi produce in hot climates . Shade material helps prevent sunburn and heat stress by blocking out strong sunshine . Ideally , shade cloth should provide 70 to 75 pct coverage and , to provide maximum coverage , it must be oriented toward the southward - facing side of the bed . Control slugs and snails by handpicking them from the plants on a daily basis . Wear horticulture baseball mitt and moderate the plant ’s leafage after sundown using a flashlight . site the slugs and snails in a bucket filled with soapy water .

References

Wasabi