{"product_id":"water-pepper-herb-akatade","title":"Akatade Water Pepper Seeds","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"aonsk-product-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAkatade is a Japanese water pepper grown for a sharp, peppery bite and young shoots flushed with red. Known as beni-tade when harvested young, it adds color and a spicy accent to small garnishes; mature foliage becomes greener. This leafy herb belongs to the buckwheat family, not the pepper family. Give it a consistently moist patch or a roomy pot, and pick small amounts to season a dish while enjoying an unusual addition to the kitchen garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eA vivid young garnish with a lively peppery bite.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing facts\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Persicaria hydropiper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaturity or display:\u003c\/strong\u003e About 60 days for established plants; tender young shoots can be harvested earlier\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plants about 12-30 in tall, depending on conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8 in between plants; rows 18 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the variety\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAkatade is a Japanese selection of water pepper, a member of the buckwheat family. Young red shoots are associated with the culinary garnish beni-tade. The species occurs across much of the Old World and is naturalized elsewhere; its peppery flavor comes from the leafy plant rather than a Capsicum fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStarting seed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow 1\/8 in. deep after frost, or start indoors 4-6 weeks early. Sprouts in 7-14 days at 65-75 F. Thin to 8 in.; rows 18 in. Keep soil consistently moist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare through the season\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose fertile soil that holds moisture in full sun or light shade. Check containers often during warm weather. Pinch young shoots to encourage useful branching, and harvest modestly so plants keep growing. Remove unwanted seed heads before they shed, especially near drainage ditches or wet ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHarvest and use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSnip tender shoots and leaves for small, peppery garnishes. Use fresh. For seed, let selected heads brown and dry before collecting; prevent unwanted self-sowing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSaving seed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater pepper is self-fertile and can reseed readily. Retain healthy representative plants, let seed heads mature and turn brown, and collect before the small dark seeds scatter. Dry and clean them under cover, then store in a cool, dry place with a clear variety label.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon problems\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDry soil can interrupt tender growth. Slugs may damage young seedlings, while overly crowded foliage can develop leaf problems. This species can spread in disturbed wet ground; grow it where volunteers can be monitored and removed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen can I start harvesting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 60 days for established plants; tender young shoots can be harvested earlier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow should I grow it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose fertile soil that holds moisture in full sun or light shade. Check containers often during warm weather. Pinch young shoots to encourage useful branching, and harvest modestly so plants keep growing. Remove unwanted seed heads before they shed, especially near drainage ditches or wet ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I save seed?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater pepper is self-fertile and can reseed readily. Retain healthy representative plants, let seed heads mature and turn brown, and collect before the small dark seeds scatter. Dry and clean them under cover, then store in a cool, dry place with a clear variety label.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Alliance of Native Seedkeepers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52508631793966,"sku":"HB120","price":2.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/www.allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com\/products\/water-pepper-herb-akatade","provider":"Alliance of Native Seedkeepers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}