MITSUBA SEEDS

Cryptotaenia japonica

Low-growing perennial edible native to Japan, Korea and China. It has a delicate and aromatic flavor that makes it suitable for use as both an herb and vegetable. Perfect for tossing into soups and salads. In Japan it is typically harvested in its entirety, roots and all, effectively as an annual. Suitable for microgreens, and can be grown successfully in a cool greenhouse or cold barn under lights.

An extremely aggressive spreader in semi-shaded damp environments, Mitsuba is an excellent addition to a spacious permacultural landscape. However, its tenacious habit should be carefully considered in smaller gardens. It is an excellent plant for a shaded corner of the sprawling suburban backyard, or along the edge of a rural woodland, but will eventually take over the salad garden.

Best grown in moist soil and bright shade, as it can become bitter and woody in full sun. All parts of Mitsuba are edible, and especially delicious in spring.

Start indoors. Press seeds into moist soil, barely cover with additional soil or vermiculite and mist generously. Cover with plastic to maintain moisture and temperature. Kept warm (65°F) and moist in dim light, seeds will germinate within two weeks. Carefully prick out seedlings to grow on in individual containers at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Transplant outdoors after the last frost. Or sow directly into the garden in spring while nights are still cool. For microgreens, sow into flats in a cool greenhouse or under lights. Avoid excessive heat and water regularly.

Mitsuba is reliably perennial in zone 5.

Packet contains around 500 seeds.