How to Care For Your Wasabi Plant
Wasabi is one of the most difficult plants to cultivate and maintain.
It is very picky about its environment, temperature, humidity, and water conditions.
If you have purchased a baby Wasabi plant from Real Wasabi, LLC, we are delighted to help you be successful in your wasabi growing endeavor.
You will need the following:
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Growing Room or Greenhouse
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Peat Pot (medium-sized)
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Shaded area, tarp or shade cloth
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Sulfur-Rich Fertilizer
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Compost
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Gravel
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Distilled Water
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Shovel
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A good supply of crystal clean water
Wasabi plants grow best in temperatures between 45°F and 75°F, and they don't like major temperature fluctuations. If you live in an area where your year-round day and night temperatures fall within this range, you might be able to grow wasabi outdoors. However, since there are very few places in the U.S. that maintain these temperatures year-round, you will most likely need a greenhouse, or at least be able to bring them indoors during cold spells.
If you are growing outdoors, choose a shaded area under a tree, or create shade with four wooden posts and a tarp or shade cloth.
Prepare your soil by testing its PH and adjusting with fertilizer and compost until you have the optimal PH level between six and seven. Add gravel to create nutrient-rich conditions and good drainage.
Prepare your peat pot with the PH balanced, gravelly mixture and plant the baby starts with at least 10 to 15 inches for the roots to spread.
Mist your plant or set up a micro-irrigation system. You don't want to soak the soil with a hose or watering can constantly because this can lead to fungus growth or root rot.
Test your soil regularly and add nutrients as needed to keep your soil's pH level between 6 and 7 constantly.
Once the plants reach about a foot in height, you may want to transplant them to a shaded area outdoors, or a bigger pot, depending on your climate.
Your plants will reach maturity In about two years. They will be about 2 ft. high and 2 ft wide, and the rhizomes should be 7 to 8 inches in length.
If you have any questions or need advice, we are here to help. Please contact us at any time at info@realwasabi.com.
For further information on growing wasabi successfully, see the article entitled "How to Grow Wasabi" by Oak Hill Gardens at the link below.