
Wasabia japonica 'Midori Utogi' is cultivated for its rhizomes, which, when grated, produce a milder version of the traditional wasabi species paste used with sushi. Despite its reputation as tricky to grow, it thrives in the UK's temperate climate, particularly in cool, shaded spots with plenty of humidity. This variety, from the Brassicaceae family, also offers edible leaves and flowers with a fresh, peppery flavour, perfect for salads and tempura. 'Midori Utogi' tolerates temperatures down to -5°C, shedding its leaves in winter and producing clusters of fragrant white flowers in early spring. Ideal for growing near ponds or in containers out of direct sunlight.
How to care for Wasabia japonica Midori Utogi:
Prepare the ground prior to planting with plenty of organic matter. Thriving in well-drained yet moist soil, wasabi can be grown in pots or open ground in shaded, humid spots, avoiding excessive heat or direct sunlight. Harvest from April to October but protect plants in northerly regions of the UK during colder months with mulch or horticultural fleece during severe or prolonged frost.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.4m
Eventual spread:
0.4m
Position:
Light shade / shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
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Wasabia japonica 'Midori Utogi' is cultivated for its rhizomes, which, when grated, produce a milder version of the traditional wasabi species paste used with sushi. Despite its reputation as tricky to grow, it thrives in the UK's temperate climate, particularly in cool, shaded spots with plenty of humidity. This variety, from the Brassicaceae family, also offers edible leaves and flowers with a fresh, peppery flavour, perfect for salads and tempura. 'Midori Utogi' tolerates temperatures down to -5°C, shedding its leaves in winter and producing clusters of fragrant white flowers in early spring. Ideal for growing near ponds or in containers out of direct sunlight.
How to care for Wasabia japonica Midori Utogi:
Prepare the ground prior to planting with plenty of organic matter. Thriving in well-drained yet moist soil, wasabi can be grown in pots or open ground in shaded, humid spots, avoiding excessive heat or direct sunlight. Harvest from April to October but protect plants in northerly regions of the UK during colder months with mulch or horticultural fleece during severe or prolonged frost.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.4m
Eventual spread:
0.4m
Position:
Light shade / shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.