Wasabi is known as one of the most difficult plants to grow. These plants need a humid environment and moderate temperatures and tend to be at risk of pests if planted in large quantities. But the benefits of growing wasabi outweigh the difficulties, because wasabi has many health benefits and a fresh, spicy and sweet taste that is not found in other plants. If you're up for the challenge, growing wasabi is possible in conditions that are as close to the wild as possible.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Create the Right Environment
Step 1. Find a place that is humid and has a moderate temperature
Wasabi originates from Japan and grows best in wet climates with temperatures between 7 - 21°C. Wasabi is very sensitive and will not grow in an unstable temperature environment.
- Wasabi naturally grows in wet environments, such as forests with humid weather and well-draining soil.
- In the United States, the Pacific Northwest and the Blue Ridge Mountains are examples of good places to grow wasabi, but there are many other countries where wasabi is also good.
Step 2. Pay attention to the temperature controller
If you live in an area where the natural temperature is not compatible with wasabi, you will need to manually create the appropriate temperature. One of them is by building a green house that can capture heat and humidity, so that the temperature can be regulated. If you decide to use a green house, set the temperature in the range of 7 - 21°C.
If you live in an area where the temperature tends to be close to the ideal temperature for wasabi, then you don't need a green house. If you live in a hot area, use fabric as an additional roof to keep your plants from overheating. And if you live in a cold region, cover your plants if the temperature drops
Step 3. Choose a location that is not exposed to direct sunlight
In the wild, wasabi grows in the shadow of tall trees, so that little sunlight shines through. As a home gardener, try to create these conditions by planting wasabi under a tree using an artificial canopy to prevent excessive sunlight.
In a green house, wasabi also still needs to be given protection from excessive sunlight. Place it under tall plants or near a window to avoid direct sunlight
Step 4. Mix the soil with fertilizer
Use a mixture of organic and sulfur-rich fertilizers. The composition of soil and fertilizer is 25 cm high to create healthy soil that has a pH of 6 or 7. The right pH can improve the environment for growing wasabi.
Follow the directions for use on the fertilizer package
Step 5. Make sure the soil is not waterlogged
Wasabi needs moisture, but not stagnant soil. To check whether the soil infiltration is good, flush it with water and see if the water can seep. If soaking is slow, add compost. But if it can be absorbed well, the soil is suitable for wasabi.
- Planting wasabi near a pond or running water source can be tried. That way the soil will remain moist and the absorption is well maintained.
- You can also plant wasabi near a waterfall, which regularly splashes water on the plants.
Part 2 of 3: Planting and Caring for Wasabi
Step 1. Order wasabi seeds in advance
Wasabi seeds are hard to find, most people order them online. Late fall is the best time as wasabi needs winter to develop its roots. When the seedlings come in, make sure they stay moist and plant them within 48 hours.
Step 2. Plant the wasabi seedlings
The night before, place the seeds in a bowl and soak them in water. Soak the seeds overnight before planting so that the seeds are soft and easy to grow. Sow the seedlings in the soil at a distance of 2 - 3 cm and gently press them in.
Step 3. Keep the soil and seedlings moist
Wasabi is a semi-aquatic plant that needs constant water to grow. Try to provide daily water intake from natural water sources, such as waterfalls or flowing water. Take care not to let it dry out, or the wasabi will die quickly.
- Even though wasabi needs to be wet, that doesn't mean it has to be over-watered. Do not flush with a bucket of water. Just splash a little water a few times a day, especially when the weather is hot.
- Take care not to let wasabi overgrown with moss and other plant diseases. If your plant is discolored or wrinkled, keep it away from other plants
Step 4. Prune the growing parasites
This will give the wasabi roots enough room to grow. Since the soil is constantly kept moist, parasites tend to grow quickly. By pruning them regularly, you will control the growth of plants that can cause these problems.
Part 3 of 3: Harvesting and Using Wasabi
Step 1. Care for your plants for two years prior to harvest
Wasabi will not create its distinctive taste until it has grown for 24 months. During this time, the wasabi will grow to nearly 1 meter in height and nearly 2 meters in width. It will stop growing tall and begin to grow roots that look like carrots, deep in the soil.
Step 2. Remove mature roots or stems
If the length is 7-8 cm, then the wasabi is ready to be harvested. Use a long, slender shovel to remove it. Keep the roots intact when you remove them from the soil.
Step 3. Leave some plants to grow back
The remaining wasabi will grow and produce new seeds. So you don't have to bother ordering new wasabi seeds.
If the plants are just starting to grow, separate the seeds about 10 cm apart to allow enough room to grow. If it is too narrow, the plant will quickly die
Step 4. Use wasabi
The trick, clean the roots and remove all the leaves. To enjoy fresh and tangy wasabi, cut as much as you want. The heat will go away after a few hours, so make sure you cut it as much as you need.
Step 5. Save the wasabi for reuse
Fresh wasabi can be stored in the refrigerator for a month or two before rotting. If you want to preserve wasabi, dry it and grind it into a powder. When you want to use, mix with a little water and stir until it becomes a paste.
Tips
- Wasabi seeds should be stored in a cool place such as a refrigerator. If dry, these seeds will not be able to grow.
- Wasabi prefers moist environments and will not grow in dry and hot environments. Provide a water fan to keep the temperature cool.
- If your soil is hard, add lime and compost.
- Wasabi seeds tend to be difficult to sell. Try asking the farmer who grows wasabi in his field. Alternatively, you can look for it in stores that sell Chinese and Japanese ingredients.
Warning
- Lice love to infest wasabi. Treat with an anti-flea spray.
- Make sure your plants don't live in waterlogged soil so they don't rot and die.
- Wasabi leaves and stems are fragile. Faults and other disturbances can stunt growth.
- Cats are attracted to wasabi leaves.
- Wasabi is prone to snails, especially in the early stages of growth. Get rid of the pest immediately.
