Edible Young Shoots
Produces tender spring shoots traditionally harvested as a seasonal vegetable in Japanese cuisine.
Udo Seeds for Sale
Suitable for home gardening use
Regular price
Rs. 17.35 INR
Sale price
Rs. 17.35 INR
Regular price
Tax included.
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Product description
Udo Seeds
Udo, scientifically known as Aralia cordata, is a perennial Japanese vegetable valued for its tender young shoots, edible stems, and large ornamental foliage. Also known as Japanese spikenard or Japanese asparagus, this plant produces fresh spring shoots traditionally harvested for cooking in East Asian cuisine. Udo grows well in fertile, moisture-retentive soil and partially shaded garden locations, making it suitable for edible gardens, woodland gardens, and home vegetable cultivation.
Japanese Udo
Edible Perennial Vegetable
Japanese Asparagus
Spring Shoots
Key Features
Large Green Foliage
Develops attractive, broad, divided green leaves that add texture to garden landscapes.
Perennial Growth
Returns each growing season from its established root system, providing repeated seasonal growth.
Shade-Tolerant Vegetable
Grows well in partially shaded locations with fertile soil and consistent moisture.
Product Highlights
Traditional Japanese vegetable
Tender edible spring shoots
Known as Japanese spikenard
Perennial herbaceous plant
Large ornamental green leaves
Suitable for woodland gardens
Prefers partial shade
Grows in fertile, moist soil
Specifications
| Scientific Name | Aralia cordata |
| Common Name | Udo; Japanese Spikenard; Japanese Asparagus |
| Plant Family | Araliaceae |
| Seed Type | Perennial Vegetable Seeds |
| Plant Type | Edible Herbaceous Perennial |
| Growth Habit | Upright, spreading, clump-forming perennial |
| Flower Color | Small creamy-white flowers |
| Foliage | Large, divided green leaves |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Approximately 4–9, depending on local conditions |
| Planting Season | Spring or fall, depending on climate and seed preparation |
| Seed Starting | Cold stratification followed by warm germination conditions |
| Germination Time | Approximately 1–4 months after stratification |
| Germination Temperature | Approximately 68°F (20°C) after cold stratification |
| Sunlight | Partial shade to full sun in suitable cool conditions |
| Soil Requirements | Deep, fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil |
| Watering | Regular watering to maintain consistent soil moisture |
| Mature Plant Height | Approximately 5–8 feet |
| Mature Plant Spread | Approximately 5–8 feet under suitable conditions |
| Harvest Season | Spring |
| Edible Parts | Young shoots and leaf stalks |
| Propagation | Seeds, root cuttings, and division |
Growing Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Seeds
Udo seeds benefit from cold stratification to overcome dormancy. Keep stored seeds in a moist growing medium under refrigerated conditions for approximately 3–5 months before sowing.
Udo seeds benefit from cold stratification to overcome dormancy. Keep stored seeds in a moist growing medium under refrigerated conditions for approximately 3–5 months before sowing.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
Choose deep containers or a garden location with fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Incorporate organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility.
Choose deep containers or a garden location with fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Incorporate organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility.
Step 3: Sow the Seeds
Sow stratified seeds in moist seed-starting compost and cover lightly with soil. Keep the growing medium evenly moist without allowing excess water to collect.
Sow stratified seeds in moist seed-starting compost and cover lightly with soil. Keep the growing medium evenly moist without allowing excess water to collect.
Step 4: Maintain Germination Conditions
Place the seed containers in a suitable location around 68°F (20°C). Germination may take approximately 1–4 months after cold stratification, depending on seed freshness and growing conditions.
Place the seed containers in a suitable location around 68°F (20°C). Germination may take approximately 1–4 months after cold stratification, depending on seed freshness and growing conditions.
Step 5: Transplant the Seedlings
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots. Grow young plants in partial shade and protect them while establishing their root systems.
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots. Grow young plants in partial shade and protect them while establishing their root systems.
Step 6: Maintain Established Plants
Plant established seedlings in fertile soil with sufficient space for their spreading growth. Maintain consistent moisture and provide partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
Plant established seedlings in fertile soil with sufficient space for their spreading growth. Maintain consistent moisture and provide partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
Step 7: Harvest the Young Shoots
Harvest tender young shoots in spring when they emerge. Udo shoots are traditionally blanched for a milder flavor and prepared as a vegetable. Harvest selectively to allow the perennial plant to continue growing.
Harvest tender young shoots in spring when they emerge. Udo shoots are traditionally blanched for a milder flavor and prepared as a vegetable. Harvest selectively to allow the perennial plant to continue growing.
Grow Traditional Japanese Udo in Your Garden
Udo brings traditional Japanese vegetable gardening to home growing spaces with its tender edible spring shoots and attractive perennial foliage. With proper seed stratification, fertile soil, and consistent moisture, this unusual edible plant can become a productive addition to vegetable and woodland gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find helpful information about growing Udo from seeds, harvesting Japanese Udo shoots, and using this traditional perennial vegetable.
How do you grow Udo from seeds?
Udo seeds require cold stratification to help break dormancy. Store them in a moist growing medium under refrigerated conditions for approximately 3–5 months. After stratification, sow the seeds in moist, well-drained compost and maintain temperatures around 68°F (20°C). Germination can take approximately 1–4 months after the cold treatment.
When and how do you harvest Japanese Udo shoots?
Udo shoots are traditionally harvested in spring when young, tender growth emerges from the established roots. For blanched Udo, growers use covering methods to limit light exposure and produce pale, milder shoots. Harvest selectively and prepare the young shoots appropriately for cooking before consumption.
What is the difference between Udo and asparagus?
Udo and asparagus are different perennial plants, although both are harvested for their young shoots. Udo is Aralia cordata, a member of the Araliaceae family, while asparagus belongs to the Asparagaceae family. Udo produces large leafy growth and tender spring shoots, whereas asparagus produces slender edible spears. Udo is also traditionally used in Japanese cuisine.