Mitsuba Plant Care

Mitsuba (Cryptotaenia japonica) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Cryptotaenia genus. Mitsuba is native to Japan, Korea and China. Mitsuba is also known as Japanese Parsley, Honewort, Japanese Wild Carrot.

Mitsuba displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Mitsuba produces small white flowers in umbels.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mitsuba every 5–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Mitsuba thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Mitsuba in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Cryptotaenia japonica tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Mitsuba prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Mitsuba to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mitsuba every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mitsuba is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Mitsuba can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Mitsuba while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Mitsuba is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Mitsuba can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to honewort plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Mitsuba is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Mitsuba grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Mitsuba is native to Japan, Korea and China. In cooler regions, grow Mitsuba as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.