Is Growing Spicy Wasabi At Home Worth It? Here's What To Know

Are you one of those daring people who absolutely love the taste of spicy wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) with your salmon rolls, and you also have a green thumb when it comes to growing things at home? Then you've probably wondered how hard it would actually be to grow your own wasabi in your garden. It might be a little harder than you think. The main reason is that wasabi plants are extremely finicky, and without careful management, your spicy condiment won't grow satisfactorily. But it may be worth it to you when you realize the wasabi you're getting from that sushi restaurant down the street is most likely fake (made from a blend of horseradish and mustard, with just touch of the real thing) — true wasabi is hard to find and rather expensive, (over $100 for a fresh rhizome that weighs ½ pound).

There are a lot of easy plants to grow for beginner gardeners, but unfortunately, wasabi is not one of them. However, if you're up for a challenge and you're craving the flavor of authentic Japanese wasabi, this is the project for you. If you happen to live in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S., you're in luck, as this is one of the few locations that has the perfect conditions to grow wasabi outside of Asia. But if you live somewhere else, don't worry, you can still grow this delicious plant if you have or know how to build a backyard greenhouse.

One of the advantages of growing plants in a greenhouse is that you can have more control over the growing environment. That's why it is the perfect solution for growing your favorite spicy condiment. The reason the Pacific Northwest is an ideal wasabi growing region is that it rarely experiences extreme fluctuations in temperature throughout the year. Wasabi needs to grow in a location that consistently stays between 45 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10. As a semi-aquatic plant naturally growing along streams, it also needs a consistent supply of cool water and to be planted in full shade.

The best way to start your wasabi is by purchasing a plant start. Growing it from seed is not recommended due to the fact that there are too many people selling fake wasabi seeds. So, avoid the chance of setting yourself up for failure from the start and get yourself a seedling. You will then want a 1 to 2-gallon pot and your potting soil of choice. Plant your seedling just deep enough to keep it upright — about one inch. You will want to monitor the soil and make sure it is consistently moist, but not in standing water. After approximately 15 months to 2 years, you'll be able to harvest the wasabi rhizome (the thick central plant stems) to make wasabi paste for your homemade sushi. Considering how expensive real wasabi paste is, your new perennial is definitely going to pay off.