Brassica juncea var. cernua 'Wasabina' – Spicy Asian Salad

A spicy and versatile leafy vegetable

Brassica juncea var. cernua, better known as Wasabina, is an Asian salad green valued for its slightly spicy, pungent flavor. This early-maturing and productive leafy green is ideal for salads, stir-fries, and healthy meals, and is becoming increasingly popular in both home and commercial gardens.

Wasabina combines the health benefits of leafy greens with a spicy flavor, similar to mustard or radish, making it a unique addition to culinary dishes.

Characteristics of Brassica juncea var. cernua 'Wasabina'

Wasabina is distinguished by its slender, dark green leaves and mild to medium-spicy flavor. The plant grows upright and compact, making it suitable for beds, pots, and containers.

Key Features:

• 🌿 Type: Asian Salad / leafy vegetable

• 🌱 Leaf color: Dark green

• ⚡ Taste: Slightly spicy, mustard-like

• 🌞 Location: Full sun to partial shade

• ⏱ Harvest time: 25–40 days after sowing

• 🌱 Sowing depth: 0.5–1 cm

• ❄️ Winter hardy: Slightly frost resistant, fast growing

Cultivation and care

Sowing: Directly in the ground or in pots/containers; sow 0.5–1 cm deep and cover lightly with soil.
Soil: Well-drained, fertile, and moist; slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal.
Watering: Water regularly to maintain growth and tender leaves.
Fertilization: A light organic fertilizer encourages faster and healthier growth.
Care: Thin the seedlings so that each plant has enough space for optimal leaf development.

Harvest and use

The Wasabina Asia Salad can be harvested continuously by picking the outer leaves. This promotes continuous leaf growth and a longer harvest period.

Culinary applications:

• Fresh salads with a spicy kick

• Stir-fry dishes or wok dishes

• Tasty sandwiches and wraps

• Garnish for Asian dishes

Tips for optimal taste:

• Pick the leaves young for a milder taste

• Older leaves are spicier and stronger in taste

• Combine with mild lettuce varieties for balance

Benefits of Brassica juncea var. cernua 'Wasabina'

✅ Early maturing and productive – ready to harvest 25–40 days after sowing
✅ Spicy, unique flavour – ideal for salads and stir-fries
✅ Compact, upright growth – suitable for small gardens and pots
✅ Low maintenance – easy to grow and fast growing
✅ Healthy and nutritious – rich in vitamins and minerals
✅ Versatile culinary uses – raw, fried or as a garnish

With the Wasabina Asia Salad you add a quick, tasty and healthy leafy vegetable to your garden and kitchen, which is both visually and culinary appealing.

Summary

• Latin name: Brassica juncea var. cernua 'Wasabina'

• Type: Asian Salad / leafy vegetable

• Leaf color: Dark green

• Taste: Slightly spicy, mustard-like

• Height: 20–30 cm

• Location: Sun to partial shade

• Sowing depth: 0.5–1 cm

• Harvest: 25–40 days from sowing, continuous harvest possible

• Special features: Compact, fast growing, versatile culinary use