Wasabi Plant

Wasabi, Wasabia japonica, is a perennial vegetable grown for its pungent edible stem, which is used as a condiment. The named Daruma cultivar is described with a thick green stem and green, heart-shaped or rounded leaves, with an upright to spreading growth habit. ## Growing Conditions Wasabi prefers cool conditions, deep shade, and consistently moist to wet, organic-rich soil. In a garden, choose a shaded site and keep the roots covered; continuous cool water is ideal, and container growing allows plants to be moved as conditions change. Wasabi can be challenging where summers are hot and dry or winters freeze. [Utah State University Extension](https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/wasabi-in-the-garden) and [Washington State University Extension](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/extension/uploads/sites/25/PNW605.pdf). ## Crop and Seasonal Notes Planting is suited to spring, while harvest and replanting are best timed for fall or spring when temperatures are cool and moisture is high. Daruma has green leaves and an upright-to-spreading habit. ## Maintenance Keep the planting consistently moist and shaded, and provide a loose, organic-rich growing medium. Check the plant regularly for slugs and snails, especially in shaded garden settings.