The cultivation of wasabi begins with the first seedling. However, it is not part of the standard range in a garden center. So where do you get it from if you can't find this rare plant in nature or in your neighbor's garden?
Where can you find wasabi seedlings?
Wasabi seedlings are not available at every garden center, but some do. Alternatively, these can be purchased online from specialized plant shops. As a rule, seedlings of the robust “Mazuma” variety are available commercially.
Wasabi can be propagated from seeds
You can grow your own seedlings by sowing them. However, there are a few hurdles here that are not easy to overcome. Because if you look for seeds from this Japanese plant in a garden center, you will almost never find them. Even well-stocked online shops (€4.00 on Amazon) still rarely have these seeds in their range.
And if you do get a few seeds, the germination rate can be disappointing. If that still works and you can grow a few seedlings, you have a long time ahead of you before the harvest.
How to sow
Increase the chances of germination by approaching sowing correctly. First wait until spring and then follow the provider's sowing instructions. However, the following points are always mandatory:
- consistently moist soil
- separating the seedlings
- Plant out only when the seedlings are strong
Seedlings from the trade
Wasabi seedlings are now available not in every garden center, but in some. Online plant shops also offer young plants. The price is affordable for everyone. Buy and plant wasabi seedlings in spring so that the plant can still grow well.
Tip
The seedling can expect to live for several years, during which it has to survive several winters. Since wasabi is only partially hardy, it is better to plant it in a deep pot. This makes it easier to overwinter indoors without frost.
The main types of wasabi
If you want to grow wasabi, then you'll be lucky to find a plant at all in this country. In Japan, however, several varieties of wasabi are cultivated. These are the most famous three:
- “Daruma” also produces abundant yields in normal soil. Its widely branched rhizomes have a pleasant aroma.
- “Mazuma” grows slowly, forming thick, short tubers with a wonderful aroma. This variety is robust and less susceptible to disease. It is often offered in this country.
- The third variety “Midor” is suitable for wet cultivation, like wasabi of natural origin. Although it germinates poorly, it quickly grows into a beautiful plant as a seedling. This variety cannot tolerate heat well.
