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The Wasabi is flowering.

submitted by Sector2 to Gardening 2 monthsFeb 26, 2024 14:44:52 ago (+31/-0)     (files.catbox.moe)

https://files.catbox.moe/e1tubw.jpg

Bought 3 sets of live Wasabi plants a couple years ago from a grower a bit south of San Francisco. First time they've flowered. Still in the one gallon pots, so probably time to separate the multiple rhizomes, harvest a few, and repot the rest.

So far the only pure Wasabi I've had is the freeze dried, so am anticipating my first fresh. You never get actual Wasabi at your sushi place. It's mainly horseradish and chemical dyes.

If you garden, the starts are very affordable, and they multiply off of the main rhizome. The initial 3 sets could become 24 separate pots now.

https://hmbwasabi.com/shop/ (plants and parts)

After winter and before summer heat is probably the best time for shipping.


8 comments block

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[ - ] Weredawg 3 points 2 monthsFeb 26, 2024 15:25:14 ago (+3/-0)

Good job, I hear those are a pain in the ass to grow due to being picky as fuck about growing conditions.

[ - ] Sector2 [op] 4 points 2 monthsFeb 26, 2024 15:38:23 ago (+4/-0)

I heard that too, but didn't do much more than move them around a bit during summer sun. Otherwise they've just been sitting around with the rest of the plants. Regular potting soil. Water, and occasional fertilizer.

[ - ] xmasskull 2 points 2 monthsFeb 26, 2024 17:27:09 ago (+2/-0)

Great info.!

[ - ] GetWoke 1 point 2 monthsFeb 26, 2024 22:43:03 ago (+1/-0)

Any idea what planting zone they are good for?

[ - ] Sector2 [op] 1 point 2 monthsFeb 27, 2024 02:06:57 ago (+1/-0)*

It should be 46°F–64°F, with 54°F–59°F as the ideal range. When the air temperature rises above 82°F, wasabi plants may become heat-damaged and infected by soft rot (Erwinia aroideae). Air temperatures below 46°F can slow or stop plant growth.

Average summer day here is 55F at night to 76F average day. That must be what they like so much. They've had 89F temps a couple times, and survived mid 30s. Morning and evening sun works here, but you'd want shade in warmer places. Good drainage is important too. Moist, but not wet. Here's a couple growing guides.

https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/wasabi-in-the-garden

https://www.thewasabistore.com/thewasabistore/r6z2brm2hzzmyh45c5swst6wy955c8

The people below are saying they need so much shade you can grow them in your basement. I guess if you're not in west coastal climate like mine.

https://morningchores.com/growing-wasabi/

[ - ] iSnark 1 point 2 monthsFeb 26, 2024 16:12:58 ago (+1/-0)

[ - ] KosherHiveKicker 1 point 2 monthsFeb 26, 2024 15:06:05 ago (+1/-0)

Those huge Wasabi root-tubers (melon sized) sell for thousands of dollars in Japan.

Are they low maintenance to grow, separate and replant?

[ - ] Sector2 [op] 2 points 2 monthsFeb 26, 2024 15:34:27 ago (+2/-0)

They dislike hot summer sun. Mine have been in the one gallons for a couple years, under or behind other plants in the summer. If they're wilting, they're getting too hot. Midday shade is good. Doesn't freeze here, but they did survive a very unusual 34F last year. Occasional fertilizer.

Haven't separated them yet, and probably should have within the first year judging by how they've filled in the one gallon. I'm tight on space, so will probably separate them into a few clumps of rhizomes in 3 gallon pots instead of maximum dividing.

This place sells a pound for $130 plus shipping, so melon sized could definitely be pricey. Bigger pots and fussing over them more to get that size.