Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

For those interested, the Diggers Club have wasabi plants for sale. I'm planning a new grow bed to accommodate some. I need to tick off a few jobs that are not AP related before the extension build take place but should have a bed ready by November. Looking forward to this challenging plant.

Yeah, it needs some pretty specific conditions. Interested to see what you set up and how it goes.

Don;t imagine we will be allowed to have them sent over here to W.A.....

shame as it would be nice smeared on our Jades.... err, no... sorry...my bad

I'm just glad you said "it would be nice smeared on our Jades" and not smeared on anything else... Joel thinking it might be a bit like chilli and the fact that you must keep it away from any delicate body parts..

something smells fishy around here....

Think they will post to WA. Here's the link for those interested

http://www.diggers.com.au/shop/product/WWAS/WASABI.aspx

Wasabia japonica and its varieties are on the 'Permitted and Quarantine Species List' for WA so there is no problem having it, and growing it, here in WA. The only issue would be getting it here from elsewhere, but that is usually just a case of arranging for it to be sent bare-rooted through the mail. If seed was available then that shouldn't be a drama, either.

Just tried to order online , and they were unavailable out of stock

Damn aquaponics people had a run on them and bought out all their stock...

Found this on the interweb..

1) Ensure that you have an area of soil that is well drained and drains easily. Soil-grown wasabi doesn't tolerate having wet feet. Wasabi prefers shaded areas.

2 )Add a generous supply of compost to the soil and work it through.

3) Obtain seeds. Keep moist and plant within 48 hours of receipt. Soak seeds overnight prior to planting.

4) Plant wasabi seeds (or seedlings if you started indoors) into the soil. Plant 2.5 cm – 5 cm / 1" - 2" apart.If you are planting seedlings, water the roots prior to planting. Water well and keep misted daily. Winter is the best growing season for wasabi, so autumn (fall) is the ideal time to plant.

5) Keep well irrigated during the hot months. Ensure that the soil is draining well. Don't let the roots dry out or they will taste bitter.

6) Keep well weeded. There should be no need to spray unless you have aphids–use a natural aphid spray if needed.Caterpillars can be a problem, spray with dipel and pyrethrum as required.

7) Be patient. Wasabi takes around 18 months to two years to reach maturity.

Harvest. Harvest. Wasabi should be removed by digging up with a pitchfork. Be sure to get the rhizomes which contain the greatest concentration of flavour.

9) Leave some plants in the soil to self seed. If the conditions are right (not too hot, dry, etc.), once wasabi is established in your garden, it should continue to grow well and self-seed continuously.

Diggers have wasabi on sale again.

So does fourseasonsherbs

you will struggle to grow it unless you plan on climate controlling. wasabi starts to die in temps over 20c.

Sometimes its easier to order your seeds from overseas. A mate just got Kudzu seeds from the states.

I find the best supplier of wasabi is the Japanese joint down the road from work, comes on handy individually wrapped packets and all!

They also do ginger