Mustard Wasabi ( Brassica juncea ) is an annual leafy green grown for its spicy leaves. This variety of Mustard is also referred to as ‘Wasabina’, which is Japanese for ‘like Wasabi’. This is not the true Wasabi plant (Wasabia japonica) but will gives a flavour and kick pretty close to the real thing. Mustard Wasabi plants are most commonly harvested as baby leaves/micro greens while their spice level is quite mild, As the plant grows and its frilly leaves mature, the spice level gets stronger.
The leaves of the Mustard Wasabi make a great addition for a little kick in a salad or a sandwich. Steaming, Stir-Frying and boiling the leaves can remove much of the hot, peppery taste.
Suitable for All Climates
Another leafy salad variety with a peppery Wasabi bite is the Rocket Wasabi (Eruca sativa).
Growth
Mustard Wasabi is a cold hardy vegetable that grows to 50 cm (20 inches). It requires moist, but well drained soil and prefers full sun, although tolerates part shade. In some climates, Mustard can be harvested all year round but grows best when sown to avoid hot sun and cold frosts.
Most mustard greens are cool season annuals and can tolerate light frosts for short periods. Mustard Wasabi baby leaves can be harvested from as early as 3-4 weeks, for those older, frilly, spicier leaves it is best to wait until 7-8 weeks and onwards from sowing.
As weather becomes too hot or cold, Mustards will turn to seed and start growing again when the temperatures suit.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Brassicaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
7 to 27°C / 45 to 80°F can withstand light frosts and hot temperatures for short periods.
SOIL TYPE:
Soil should be loose and well draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun, will tolerate some shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 50 cm’s (20 inches) above ground
WIDTH:
Up to 45 cm’s (18 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Wind. Bees required to produce seed.
MATURITY:
Average 45-60 days
GERMINATION RATES:
94%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 10-23°C / 50-75°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 250
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT BRASSICA JUNCEA (Mustard Wasabi)
Allyl isothiocyanate, a compound present in Wasabi mustard greens and other cruciferous vegetables has been found to inhibit the growth of bladder cancer cells in rats.
Mustards are part of the same plant family as Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower and Kale.
Although often called Japanese Mustards, most mustards originate from India & China.
