GROWING GUIDE FOR WASABI ROCKET

Growing wasabi rocket is a relatively easy process that can be done in a variety

of ways, including in a garden bed, in pots, or even in a hydroponic setup. Here

are the basic steps to grow wasabi rocket:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden or on your balcony that receives at

least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Wasabi rocket prefers well-

draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

2. Sow the wasabi rocket seeds directly into the soil, spacing them about

5cm apart. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and press down

gently.

3. Water the soil thoroughly and keep it consistently moist until the

seedlings have emerged, which usually takes about 7-10 days.

4. Once the seedlings are established, reduce watering to once or twice a

week, or as needed to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

5. Fertilise wasabi rocket with compost or an organic fertiliser once a month

after the seedlings have emerged.

6. Thin out the seedlings once they have reached about 5cm tall, leaving

about 15cm between each plant.

7. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take action as needed.

Common pests include aphids and whiteflies, while diseases like powdery

mildew and downy mildew can be problematic in humid conditions.

8. Harvest wasabi rocket leaves as soon as they reach your desired size,

usually when they are about 10-15cm tall. The leaves have the most

intense flavour before the plants start to flower.

Note that, wasabi rocket has strong, pungent and spicy flavour, very similar to

true wasabi, it is a great ingredient for adding a little kick to salads, sandwiches,

and stir-fries. Also, it’s considered a cool-weather crop, it will bolt (flower and

set seed) quickly in hot weather, so it’s best to sow the seed in early Spring or in

Autumn.

We hope you enjoy growing these heirloom and often rare varieties. While we grow seed commercially it’s home gardeners who are keeping them alive!