Lyla Lindsey
Wasabi, formerly known as Wasabi Japonica, is a perennial herb that commonly grows in mountain streams in Japan. It is a member of the same family as horseradish and cabbage and is sometimes referred to as Japanese horseradish. Wasabi is known for its strong, spicy flavour and is commonly used as a condiment alongside Japanese dishes. It takes around two years for wasabi to mature, and it is best planted in autumn. In this article, we will explore the process of growing wasabi in Australia, including the ideal climate, soil, and watering conditions, to help you cultivate this spicy delicacy in your own backyard.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | 30-45 cm |
| Foliage | Evergreen rhizomatous perennial with large, heart-shaped leaves up to 30 cm |
| Climate | Humid environment in summer, with temperatures between 10°C and 20°C; suited to sub-tropics or tropics, or indoors |
| Soil | Well-aged manure or compost; premium potting mix with good water storage capacity |
| Flowering | Small white flowers in spring, edible under ideal conditions |
| Feeding | Annual applications of well-aged manure; additional applications of seaweed solution |
| Watering | Daily in warm, dry weather; regular watering, but avoid waterlogging |
| Pests | Snails, slugs, cabbage white butterfly, caterpillars, and aphids |
| Natural Habitat | Moist, shady creek banks in mountainous valleys of Japan |
| Varieties | 'Daruma' (disease-resistant, warm climate) and 'Mazuma' (purple tint, longer maturation) |
| Planting Season | Autumn |
| Harvest Time | 12-30 months |
| Container | Large, with good drainage; wine barrels, wicking beds, hydroponic systems |
| Light | Indirect sunlight, shade |
| Propagation | Seed or tissue culture |
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What You'll Learn
Climate and location
Wasabi is a perennial herb that commonly grows in mountain streams in Japan. Its natural habitat is along moist, shady creek banks in mountainous valleys. It can be grown in a variety of climates and locations in Australia, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
Wasabi prefers a humid environment in the summer, with temperatures no lower than about 10°C and no higher than 20°C for much of the year. It is best suited to the sub-tropics or tropics and can be grown in sheltered microclimates or indoors in other areas. In Australia, the Tasmanian cold climate is advantageous for growing wasabi, and it has been successfully grown in climate-controlled greenhouses in Devonport and Launceston.
When choosing a location for your wasabi plant, look for a shady spot that provides bright, indirect light in the winter and protection from wind. Wet woodlands are ideal, as they provide the necessary humidity while still being damp. Keep the roots wet and ensure well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging, which can cause the plant to rot.
Wasabi can be grown in the ground or in containers. If planting in the ground, space the plants 12 inches apart and provide full shade. If using containers, choose a large container such as a wine barrel, as they provide the necessary moisture. Plastic pots are also suitable, especially if stood in flowing water, but ensure that the water is not stagnant. A free-draining potting mix with a neutral pH is recommended, but it must hold sufficient moisture to stay wet between waterings.
Overall, when growing wasabi in Australia, it is important to replicate the plant's natural habitat as closely as possible by providing humidity, shade, and well-drained moisture. The specific climate and location will depend on the local conditions, but with the right care, wasabi can thrive in various environments across the country.
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Soil and drainage
Wasabi grows naturally in moist, shady creek banks in the mountainous valleys of Japan, or in riverbeds. As such, it requires well-drained, moist soil. It is a water plant, so it needs to be watered regularly, but it should not be left wet as it will rot in a stagnant, waterlogged environment. Good drainage and regular watering are key.
If growing in pots, choose a premium potting mix with excellent water storage capacity. Wine barrels are perfect for wasabi as they keep the plant moist year-round. Some people stand pots in water, but wasabi prefers flowing water, not standing water. Wicking beds with free-draining media and hydroponic systems also work well. Many people grow wasabi in free-draining potting mix with a neutral pH, but it must hold sufficient moisture to stay wet between waterings.
If growing in the ground, plant wasabi in full shade, 12 inches apart. You can improve the soil with organic matter such as well-aged manure or compost prior to planting. The manure can be supplemented with a little sulphate of potash. Wasabi should be planted at the same height as the soil in the pot. Firm down the soil and water.
One person who grows wasabi in Australia uses an old laundry trough with a 3:1 mix of fine coir and perlite. At the bottom of the trough is a long, plastic grate to maximise drainage and prevent the potting media from blocking the plughole. Above the grate is a 5cm layer of expanded clay balls, also to improve drainage. The trough is then filled with the coir/perlite mix and covered with a final 5cm layer of expanded clay balls to reduce disease.
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Planting and growing
Wasabi is a challenging plant to grow, but it can be done in Australia. Wasabi is a perennial herb, a member of the brassica family, which includes mustard, rocket, and watercress. It is sometimes called Japanese horseradish due to its similar flavour. In its natural habitat, wasabi grows along mountain streams in Japan, so it thrives in warm, humid climates with damp soil.
When planting wasabi, choose a shady spot that is protected from wind. Wasabi likes low levels of light and indirect sunlight. The soil should be improved with organic matter such as well-aged manure or compost prior to planting. If growing in pots, a premium potting mix with good drainage and excellent water storage capacity is ideal. The pot should be large, and wine barrels are also a good option as they stay moist. Wasabi should be planted at the same height as the soil in the pot.
Wasabi requires daily watering, unless the plant is grown beside a pond. It is important to note that while wasabi likes water, it should not be left in stagnant, waterlogged conditions as it will rot. Good drainage is essential. Applications of a seaweed solution will help protect the plant in winter and summer.
Wasabi takes around two years to mature and should be planted in autumn. The leaves can be harvested as required, but the rhizome is usually harvested after two years.
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Feeding and fertilising
Wasabi is a difficult plant to grow due to its specific needs. It requires a humid, shady environment with uniformly moist but not wet soil. In Australia, it is generally grown under shade cloth as it requires protection from wind, cold, sun, and extremes of temperature.
When it comes to feeding and fertilising, a few options are available. A slow-release organic fertiliser applied each spring will benefit the growth of the plant. Fertiliser with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended, but balanced organic fertilisers with slightly higher nitrogen content can also be used. Pelletised or well-rotted chicken manure, supplemented with a little sulphate of potash, is another option.
Wasabi is very efficient at extracting nutrients, so fertiliser should be applied at about half the recommended strength. In addition to fertiliser, a good layer of mulch each spring will help keep the soil cool and moist.
If growing in pots, choose a premium potting mix with excellent water storage capacity. Annual applications of well-aged manure are ideal.
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Harvesting and uses
Wasabi takes around two years to mature before it can be harvested. The rhizome, or root, is the most valuable part of the plant and is commonly grated into a hot green paste to flavour Japanese cuisine. The leaves can also be harvested as required and added to salads for a spicy kick. The small white flowers that appear in spring are edible too and can be served as tempura.
Wasabi is a member of the brassica family, which includes cabbage, rocket, mustard and watercress. It is also known as Japanese horseradish due to its similar flavour. Its natural habitat is along the banks of mountain streams in Japan, so it thrives in warm, humid climates with damp soil.
In Australia, wasabi is often grown in wet woodlands, in riverbeds or in climate-controlled greenhouses. It can be grown hydroponically, although this is said to be difficult. Wasabi is a fragile plant, so it should be protected from high-traffic areas and strong winds.
Once harvested, wasabi can be used fresh or freeze-dried into a powder for home use. It is commonly used as a condiment alongside Japanese dishes, particularly seafood and Asian cuisine. It can also be added to sauces to give them a spicy kick.
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Frequently asked questions
Wasabi grows best in warm, humid climates with temperatures no lower than 10°C and no higher than 20°C. It prefers a shady site with indirect sunlight and good drainage.
Wasabi takes around two years to mature and should be planted in autumn.
Wasabi is prone to snails and slugs, as well as cabbage white butterflies, caterpillars, and aphids.
