Water Pepper Herb Seeds - Akatade
60 Days to maturity. Persicaria hydropiper Akatade Water Pepper Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, containers, and along moist field edges. A Japanese specialty with spicy, crimson-red microgreens that bring a bold, peppery finish to sashimi, salads, or stir-fries. Harvest as seedlings or allow mature spikes for ornamental appeal. ~10,500 seeds/oz.
Download Free Herb Growing Guide PDF
Growing Akatade Water Pepper in the Herb Garden
Direct sow seeds 0.125 inch deep in spring after frost. Germination takes 7–14 days in moist soil. Space plants 6–12 inches apart, rows 12–18 inches. Prefers consistently damp soil—ideal for stream edges, wet gardens, or containers with good moisture. Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Harvest microgreens in crimson shades early for sashimi garnish, or allow plants to mature to form flower spikes. Clip leaves and young shoots throughout the season. Plants may self-sow if flower heads are left on.
About Akatade Water Pepper Seeds
Akatade is a Japanese selection particularly prized as microgreens—known as beni-tade—offering vivid crimson hues and a uniquely peppery bite, commonly used with sushi and sashimi.
Also called benitade or murasakitade, its bright shoots elevate both flavor and visual appeal in culinary dishes. The spicy flavor comes from polygodial and related compounds.
Best used fresh or as a garnish where both color and pungency are desired. Seeds are affordable and known to produce flavorful, eye-catching microgreens—or ornamental spikes if grown to maturity.
Stories/Tips From Our Gardeners
"Consider starting Akatade in a shallow tray by a water feature or koi pond—those red shoots pop like fireworks in salads and sashimi platters! Quick to grow, they double as a tasty garnish and a chic centerpiece."
 |
- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer |
Akatade Water Pepper Seeds Per Package:
- 1 g - Packet - Approximately 370 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 10,500 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 42,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 168,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Akatade Water Pepper Seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
=======Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Persicaria hydropiper |
| Variety Type Color: | Green foliage; microgreens appear crimson-red |
| Variety Type Flavor: | Hot, peppery, pungent |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | Annual 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 |
| Days to Maturity: | 60 |
| Days to Germination: | 7–14 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.125 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 6–12 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 12–18 inches |
| Plant Height: | 12–30 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright, spreading |
| Soil Preference: | Moist, fertile soil; tolerates heavy or clay soils if kept wet. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer 60–80 F |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun, Partial Shade |
Other
| Direct Sow: | Yes |
| Start Indoors: | Yes, 4–6 weeks before transplanting. |
| Plant Width: | 6–12 inches |
| Deer Resistant: | Yes |
| Germination Temperature: | 65–75 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Few problems; watch for aphids in damp conditions. |
| Garden Size: | Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container, Moist Field Edge |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat, Humidity, Wet Soil |