Eutrema japonicum Seeds | Wasabi

Wasabi seeds (Eutrema japonicum)

LATIN NAME: Eutrema japonicum

COMMON NAME: Wasabi

Plant Profile

Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) grows as a low, handsome, perennial in the mustard family. Wasabi is sharp, green, fiery root of the Japanese kitchen. Low, handsome, perennial herb carries large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves on upright stems, and small, white, four-petalled flowers open in loose clusters through the spring. Thick, knobbly rhizome under soil is wasabi of the fine Japanese cuisine, grated fresh for sushi and soba, with clean, hot, quick bite that clears nose and leaves sweetness behind. The flowers pull in pollinating insects, which quietly widens its usefulness in the garden. All of this makes Wasabi a satisfying plant to grow and to get to know.

Science & Biotechnology

Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Eutrema japonicum, a representative of the mustard family with clear practical value. Wasabi has carved a quiet but solid place in plant science, and herb has been studied for thick, knobbly rhizome and clean, hot, quick bite that made it famous. Raising it from seed today is a matter of ordinary good practice rather than specialist skill.

Uses & Benefits

Wasabi brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Wasabi does a lot of work in kitchen and cool garden. Thick, knobbly rhizome is grated fresh for sushi, soba and fine sauces of the Japanese kitchen, and clean, hot bite is prized across the world. Low, handsome herb is also a fine, generous plant of cool, moist, shaded garden and streamside, and large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves keep it handsome through the season. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.

Wasabi’s genus gives the true wasabi of Japanese streams and its mountain kin: fresh rhizomes carry the isothiocyanates studied for antimicrobial effects, and genuine wasabi is a rare culinary treasure.

Growing from Seed

Wasabi is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. A simple routine works well: sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, maintain even moisture, and provide bright light. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.