Mitsuba care guide
Cryptotaenia japonica
Also known as: Japanese parsley, Japanese honewort
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Mitsuba
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- It likes moist soil: water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide; in summer it dries fast and wilts quickly when short of water.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- Autumn sowings grow well now; as a guide, water about a day after the topsoil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 5 days
- Growth slows, so as a guide water in the morning about two to three days after the soil dries.
Light and placement for Mitsuba
Bright shade to half shade is about right; strong direct sun toughens and scorches the leaves, so it generally sits in shade in summer, and indoors a bright window out of direct sun works.
Overwintering Mitsuba
Overwintering guide: −5°C (23°F) or above
A cold-hardy perennial that generally overwinters outdoors as is; hard frost kills the tops, but the roots live on and resprout in spring, and a fleece cover or a spot indoors gives a small winter harvest.
Fertilizing and repotting Mitsuba
Fertilizer
In soil with a base fertilizer, diluted liquid feed about every two weeks during growth is usually enough; the leaves toughen when hungry, so a light feed after each harvest keeps them tender.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Mitsuba
- In full sun the leaves turn tough and scorch.
- When it dries out, it wilts and the leaf tips die.
- In early summer flower stalks shoot up and the leaves toughen.
Tips for growing Mitsuba
- Plant the rooted base of store-bought mitsuba and it grows back.
- Cut it 3 to 4 cm above the base and it regrows for repeated harvests.
- Cutting flower stalks as they appear keeps the leaves coming longer.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
