From Planting to Harvesting, Discover the Secrets of Cultivating this Fiery Root for Culinary Delights

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your horticultural journey, growing horseradish in your home garden is a great addition. Not only is it easy to grow, but it also has a wide variety of uses that adds a unique punch to your culinary creations.

Horseradish, scientifically known as Armoracia rusticana, is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes other notable plants like mustard, cabbage, and broccoli. It belongs to the same genus as wasabi, the well-known Japanese condiment. Horseradish has several common names, including Great Raifort, Red Cole, and Mountain Radish.

History and discovery of Horseradish

Horseradish has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Originating in Eastern Europe, it was used by ancient civilizations for its medicinal properties and found its way into the culinary traditions of various cultures. Horseradish’s distinct heat and flavor made it a prized ingredient in dishes, particularly sauces and condiments. It holds cultural significance, symbolizing bitterness and serving as a protective charm in certain rituals. With its spread across continents, horseradish cultivation evolved, leading to the development of different varieties. Today, it remains a popular ingredient and continues to captivate taste buds with its sharp tang and unique qualities. Horseradish’s journey through history highlights its enduring appeal and its significant role in both ancient and modern culinary practices.

Flavor and Nutrition

The hallmark of horseradish is its unmistakable pungency. When freshly grated or ground, its roots release volatile oils that create a sinus-clearing, eye-watering experience. Horseradish is also a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins C and B6, calcium, magnesium, and dietary fiber. Throughout history, it has been esteemed for its digestive properties, its ability to combat respiratory issues, and its role in herbal remedies.

How to grow Horseradish

Whether you want to use it in cooking or as a natural remedy, horseradish is a versatile plant that can be used in many different ways. Here’s how to grow horseradish in your garden.

Horseradish grows best in temperate climates, Horseradish thrives in full sun but tolerates light shade. The best soil for Horseradish is deeply-worked, sandy loam, in a moderately moist situation. Trench the ground very deeply and put any manure used in at the bottom – it is essential that no manure be mixed with the upper layers of soil, as this causes the roots to fork.

• Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil.
• Prepare the soil by loosening it with a garden fork and adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
• Dig a trench 6-8 inches deep and space the root cuttings around 18 inches apart.
• Place the root cuttings at a 45-degree angle with the crown just below the soil surface, ensuring the top bud faces upward.
• Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Water regularly, especially during dry periods.

TIP: The subsoil must be open for drainage and to allow the roots to penetrate, otherwise they will fork. Dry soil produces woody roots with a weak taste, whilst wet soils make soft roots with too strong a flavor.

Plant Care

Horseradish benefits from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can encourage lush foliage growth at the expense of root development.

Maintain a layer of mulch around the plants to keep the soil cool, retain moisture, and prevent weed competition.

Horseradish prefers consistently moist soil, so water deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry spells.

Horseradish Roots

Roots may be procured instead of sowing from seed. Use root cuttings about 6 inches long taken from the old crowns. The old crowns, however, should not be used.

how to plant horseradish

Plant the roots in a slightly slanting position, the larger ends all pointing in the same direction. When taking cuttings, they should always be carefully cut square at the upper end and slanting at the lower, to distinguish the ends, as the upper end must never be set deepest. Cultivation consists in keeping the surface soil free of weeds, and occasional hoeing to conserve the soil moisture.

Horseradish can be easily propagated from roots or root cuttings, which are very hardy and persistent, and if unchecked the plant is likely to become a pest. For this reason, Horseradish should be treated as an annual or biennial and the roots lifted and replanted every year or two.

When taking cuttings, they should always be carefully cut square at the upper end and slanting at the lower, to distinguish the ends, as the upper end must never be set deepest. Cultivation consists in keeping the surface soil free of weeds, and occasional hoeing to conserve the soil moisture.

horseradish seeds

Horseradish may be planted in Spring, to sow horseradish seeds, start by preparing the soil. Loosen the topsoil with a shovel or hoe and remove any rocks or debris. Rake the soil until it is smooth and level, then sow the seeds ½ inch deep and 18 inches apart. Once the seeds have germinated, thin out the seedlings so that they are 6-8 inches apart.

Water the plants regularly, especially during periods of drought. Horseradish is a tough plant and can withstand some neglect, but it will produce more roots if it is well-watered. When the roots are around 4-6 inches long, they are ready to harvest.

Growing Horseradish in containers

You can successfully grow horseradish in a container – you’ll probably want a tall pot to be sure it is deep enough to keep the long tap root happy. Choose a deep container (at least 12 inches deep) with good drainage holes.

Fill the pot with well-draining potting mix. Plant horseradish root cuttings at a 45-degree angle with the crown just below the soil surface.

It is frost tolerant but prefers to be in full sun with regular watering.

When to harvest Horseradish

Horseradish should be harvested in the Autumn as flavor will be at its peak once they have reached a desirable size (about 1 inch in diameter). The foliage may also begin to die back.

Loosen the soil around the plants and carefully lift the roots using a garden fork or shovel. Gently shake off excess soil to reveal the creamy white roots.

Be careful lifting the root out of the ground so as not to damage it. Wash the root thoroughly and trim off any dried or damaged parts. The root can be eaten raw or cooked, depending on your preference.

When lifted, roots may be stored in dry sand and drawn on as required. Cuttings may also be stored in this way until wanted for planting

To keep horseradish fresh, trim the leaves to about an inch and wash the roots thoroughly. Store them in a cool, dark place like a root cellar or refrigerator. Alternatively, you can peel, grate, and preserve horseradish in vinegar or freeze it in airtight containers for long-term storage.

Common growing problems

Horseradish can be an aggressive grower and spread rapidly. To contain its growth, consider planting it in a raised bed or using barriers like root barriers or deep containers to restrict its underground spread.

Common pests that may bother horseradish include flea beetles and caterpillars. Control them by applying organic insecticidal soap or using floating row covers.

Horseradish can be susceptible to fungal diseases like clubroot and powdery mildew. Practice crop rotation, ensure proper spacing, and provide adequate airflow to minimize the risk. Remove and destroy infected plants if necessary.

Beneficial insects and companion plants

Invite beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to your garden. They feed on pests that may attack horseradish, helping to maintain a healthy balance in your garden ecosystem.

Planting horseradish near companion plants like tansy, marigolds, and nasturtiums can help repel pests and attract pollinators, promoting overall plant health.

Tips for successful cultivation of Horseradish

• Regular harvesting – Continually harvest horseradish roots to keep the plant in check and encourage fresh growth.
• Pruning and thinning – Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent disease.
• Winter protection – In colder regions, provide winter protection by mulching heavily around the base of the plant to insulate the roots from freezing temperatures.

Horseradish is a great addition to any garden because it is easy to grow and has many uses. If you want to try growing horseradish in your garden, follow these simple instructions and you’ll be enjoying this versatile root vegetable in no time!