Wasabi arugula belongs to the Brassicaceae plant family, the same group as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine, its peppery, wasabi-like taste has recently gained popularity worldwide. The distinctive taste of this plant depends on its maturity and vegetative size. Young plants that haven’t reached full size contain lower concentrations of compounds responsible for spiciness. For this reason plant size plays an important role in flavour development, and should be carefully considered during cultivation.
Wasabi arugula is a fast-growing annual plant that typically matures in 40 to 45 days. It forms compact leafy rosettes and produces small white flowers, which are also edible. The leaves are round to spoon-shaped, smooth, flat, and crisp, with strongly defined veins. They have slightly serrated edges and grow on semi-thick green stems. The plant usually reaches a height of around 12 cm, although it can range from 10 to 20 cm. Thanks to its compact size, wasabi arugula is ideal for growing at home, whether indoors or on a balcony, regardless of space limitations.
The growth and development of wasabi arugula depend on several key factors that must be carefully managed: soil, fertilization, light, and temperature.
Soil & Fertilization
In addition to well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, proper seed spacing is also important when planting wasabi arugula. Dense sowing stimulates the growth of smaller, tender leaves, great for salads, while wider spacing promotes larger leaves suitable for bunching. For optimal results, plants should be spaced about 15 cm apart, with 25 to 30 cm between rows. Mid-season fertilization helps maintain soil fertility and support continuous leaf production.
Light
Proper light intensity and positioning help prevent leaf curling and ensure the plant reaches its full growth potential.
Temperature
Wasabi arugula prefers cooler growing conditions. It is best planted in early spring and again in the fall to avoid heat stress and ensure optimal development. Temperature has a great role in determining the intensity of this plant’s spiciness, as cooler night temperatures may increase the level of sinigrin, the compound responsible for the plant’s spicy flavor.
For fresh salads, it is recommended to harvest individual wasabi arugula leaves early, when they are between 7 and 10 cm tall. This also helps thin the plants and encourages further growth. The remaining plants should be left to reach their full maturity. Leaves should be cut 2 to 3 cm above the base to allow regrowth. It’s advised to remove the white flowers as soon as they appear to prevent the formation of seeds, as they can reduce leaf quality.
While more mature plants tend to contain higher concentrations of flavor compounds, size alone does not determine taste. Flavor is primarily influenced by growing conditions. However, plant size can serve as a useful indicator of maturity. Generally, the more developed the plant, the stronger and more pronounced its flavor will be.
While the plant size can indicate healthy development, excessive growth can sometimes be counterproductive.
Size Pros: A larger leaf area means more photosynthesis. Increased photosynthesis can lead to higher yield.
Size Cons: An oversized plant can reduce efficiency due to poor ventilation and a greater chance of developing diseases because of a lack of air and space.
If wasabi arugula isn’t being harvested properly, or the optimal harvest stage is missed, it can start bolting. Bolting occurs when the plant starts producing flowers and seeds, causing the leaves to become more bitter and overly strong in flavor.
Overgrowth can be managed by succession planting every 2 to 3 weeks. If bolting has already occurred, it is often best to let the plant complete its cycle and replace it with new seedlings.
The ideal size of wasabi arugula is around 12 cm, although it can grow up to 20 cm. Thanks to its compact size, it is perfect for growing at home, even in limited spaces. Its development is influenced by several key factors, including soil quality, fertilization, light, and temperature. Leaves can be harvested as soon as they reach about 7 cm in height. While size alone does not determine quality, larger plants are more likely to develop the full flavor and characteristics that make wasabi arugula so popular. For this reason, proper care throughout the growth stage is essential for achieving the best results.
