Things to deal with before you can even plant the Wasabi. Can you do this without knowing what questions to ask and what information to collect? The Maestroes know Wasabi!
As you can see from the diagram above, there are 14 steps that must be completed before you even succeed in planting some wasabi plants.
What is the real Wasabi plant?
Wasabi is a slow growing vegetable in the Brassicaceae family which also includes radish and mustard. The Wasabi plant likes very shady and very wet, but well-drained environments, and grows naturally along cool spring beds in New Zealand, Japan and other parts of Asia. As we mentioned, the difference between Wasabi and other siblings is that no coloring or other additives are added to give you the normal sinus brush. In addition, Wasabi is renowned for its strong antiseptic and antibacterial qualities which is why it is traditionally served with raw fish.
The rhizome acts as a storage for the plant’s nutrients (like a potato) and is where the flavors are usually concentrated .
Materials you will need
Before you start planting wasabi, it is essential that you understand the basics. Here’s what you’ll need:
Greenhouse or Grow Room
Sun and Temperature
Wasabi thrives in mild temperatures. Wasabi leaves require a shady location with no direct sunlight and a temperature range of 46-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Above 80 degrees the wasabi plants can die, and below 27 degrees the wasabi plants can freeze.
Try to replicate these conditions by providing shade in the form of a shade cloth or the shade of a large tree. Add compost to your planting medium to a depth of ten inches to provide nutrients and insulate the roots from extreme temperature changes.
Pests and Diseases of Wasabi Plants:
Wasabi plants can be susceptible to certain diseases such as root rot, leaf spot, rhizome rot, and petiole blight. Keep a watchful eye out for any or all of the diseases mentioned above. Attention to detail and care are key to growing wasabi plants.
- Wasabi grows best in high humidity conditions and does not like dry, hot weather.
- Store wasabi seeds in the fridge until ready to plant.
- Wasabi seeds are not easy to come by. Visit your local farmers or Chinese or Japanese grocery store to see if you can get your hands on some seeds.
- Do not leave the wasabi plant to sit in waterlogged soil. Black rot can infect and destroy the crop.
- Keep an eye out for slugs. In the early stages of growth, wasabi plants will attract slugs. Be sure to remove them immediately.
- If you have cats, keep an eye on your plant – cats seem to like wasabi leaves.
- Keep an eye out for aphids.
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