Plants require specific conditions to grow and reach their full potential. That rule applies to wasabi arugula as well. This small-leaf plant is known for its distinctive, spicy, wasabi-like flavor that adds depth and pairs well with a variety of dishes. As it’s the ingredient you can use every day, it’s significant to know how to support its growth and taste development process efficiently.
Understanding the importance of light is one of the first steps for GrowBorg users. Wasabi arugula requires 4 to 8 hours of sunlight to reach its full potential. However, since GrowBorg systems are used indoors, additional lighting is required.
What makes wasabi arugula different from some other plants is that it is sensitive to overwatering, excessive feeding, and insufficient light. Improper care, especially inadequate lighting, can reduce flavor intensity.
On the other hand, with the right lighting setup and proper care, wasabi arugula can thrive in a relatively short period of time.
Although too much light can stress the plant, wasabi arugula still requires abundant, bright, consistent light. It grows best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, it should be placed within 30 cm of a south-facing window, or grown under artificial lighting that mimics indirect sunlight for 12 to 14 hours per day.
The best option for wasabi arugula is to use LED lights, as they emit full-spectrum light and ensure the plant receives sufficient light without burning the leaves.
The choice of light isn’t related only to its type, but also to the spectrum of colors it emits. The blue LED light ensures that leaves stay thick and healthy, while red light supports photosynthesis and promotes faster growth. White and yellow mimic natural daylight and sunlight, supporting overall plant development. For leafy greens, a good combination can be full-spectrum LEDs, but with enhanced blue and red peaks, due to their better absorption by photosynthetic pigments.
Even though this plant likes abundant sunlight, it’s necessary to gradually introduce it to the light to avoid sunburn on the leaves. In the early stage of growth, wasabi arugula should initially be exposed to light for shorter periods, with gradual increases over time. Shade helps to maintain leaf tenderness and prevent early bolting. As the plant matures, it can be exposed to the light longer, which will help its development reach its optimum.
By following these rules, the probability of plants developing lush leaves and robust roots is greater.
Wasabi arugula plants are known for their cool temperature preferences. As they grow best in temperatures between 10°C and 21°C, it’s best to plant them in early spring and then again in fall. This practice ensures a steady harvest throughout the seasons without fear of plant damage. If planted in summer, the heat stress can cause bitterness in flavor and early development of seed stalks.
One more way to avoid poor leaf development that can affect this plant’s taste is to reduce the light intensity and ensure the night temperature stays below 17°C. Varying the day and night temperatures may increase the level of sinigrin, the compound responsible for the spicy taste in plants.
When using LED lights, they should be positioned between 15 and 20 cm above the top of the plant. This ensures even light distribution and prevents issues such as light burn, leaf bleaching, and curling. If the lights have a strong intensity, the distance may need to be increased, but they shouldn’t be positioned too far away, as otherwise the photosynthesis process could be weakened.
The lighting choice and its intensity play a huge role in the optimal development and growth of the plant. Choosing the right lighting setup and positioning can ensure a successful result that is not only visually appealing but also healthy and rich in flavor.
When growing wasabi arugula, the most important thing to remember is that it requires between 4 and 8 hours of sunlight if grown outdoors and between 12 and 14 hours if grown indoors. For artificial lights, it’s best to use blue, red, white, and yellow LED lights. If the plant is still immature, it needs lots of shade as well, but as it grows and takes on its full form, the need for shade decreases, but it’s still necessary. Lighting and its position are the crucial things that affect plant growth, and if chosen right, they can make it thrive in no time.
