Wasabi originally comes from distant Japan. Hardly any of us will know under what conditions it grows there. For example, is it used to extreme cold? Or do we have to protect it in winter?
How can I overwinter wasabi plants properly?
To successfully overwinter wasabi, plant it in protected locations, cover it with leaves or bark mulch before the first frost and keep the soil moist. For plants grown in pots, a dark winter quarter with temperatures just above 0 °C is recommended.
Wasabi has to get through the winter
Wasabi plants grow perennial. A one-year cultivation, as is practiced with some “foreign” plants, would not be worthwhile here. It takes two to three years until the sought-after rootstock is harvested, during which time it develops to a usable size. So every owner has to be prepared to get the plant through at least two winters. And this time of year can be very rough in this country!
The Japanese horseradish is only partially hardy
Wasabi, which originally comes from Japan, is also known as Japanese horseradish due to its spiciness. However, it is not closely related to the hardy horseradish. In fact, he is not used to cold winters in Japan. However, under certain circumstances the plant can survive low temperatures he althily.
Protect planted specimens
Seedlings that you grow outside in the bed or near the pond can survive temperatures down to -8 °C in winter, provided they are prepared:
- Plant wasabi only in protected locations
- cover before the first frost
- with a thick layer of leaves or bark mulch
In mild regions and mild winters there is a good chance of survival. But in harsh areas and unexpectedly icy winters, the wasabi can freeze to death despite protective measures. Therefore, cultivation in a pot is a safe, mobile growing place.
Overwintering potted plants
A wasabi planted in a pot would not survive an icy winter outside, even with protective measures. But that doesn't matter at all, because with the pot the plant is always mobile and can change its location in time before the onset of winter.
- overwinter in a dark winter quarters
- at temperatures just above 0 °C
- for example in the basement or a garden shed
- There needs to be some light, so put it close to a window
Care during wintering
During the winter rest period, wasabi does not require any further care, except that its water needs must also be met. Both plants outside and in their winter quarters need to be watered from time to time so that the soil doesn't dry out completely.
