Revised April 2020 Horseradish in the Garden

Gilbert Young and Dan Drost Vegetable Specialist

Summary and split the Horseradish is a hardy perennial vegetable that into four equal pieces is grown for its thick yellowish to white taproot. It is containing some leaf cultivated from crown or root cuttings planted in the and root tissue. Let the early spring. Horseradish will grow about anywhere, but wounds heal for the are larger, tastier, and less branched when several days before given proper care and cultivation. planting at a 45-degree angle, with the crown Recommended Varieties positioned one to two inches below the soil Maliner Kren is a German variety that has the surface. most vigorous growth and largest roots. New Bohemian Root cuttings is a variety that may lack the root quality and yield of are pencil sized pieces other varieties, but is resistant to white rust and mosaic. of root collected from larger roots. Cut the end close to Variegata is a cultivar that is less invasive, has cream- the main root square and the other end on an angle. Plant variegated leaves, and tolerates partial shade. Very few the square end of the root higher than the angled end. garden centers stock horseradish roots so look for them Plant these root pieces 2-3 inches deep and one foot on-line or get a root cutting from a grower friend. apart. To keep horseradish from spreading, some

gardeners plant the roots in buried pots or in 12 inch How to Grow wide and 24 inch long PVC plastic pipes. Plant in late Soil: Horseradish will grow in all soil types March or early April, for the average garden, four to six provided they are well drained, high in organic matter, are sufficient to meet the family’s needs. and fertile. The recommended pH is 6.0 to 7.5. Water: Horseradish is quite drought tolerant, Soil Preparation: Before planting, determine but the roots become woody and has a weak flavor if fertilizer needs with a soil test and then follow the stressed too much. The roots become very soft and have recommendations given with the test report. If fertilizer a strong flavor if over watered. Water horseradish once a applications are warranted, work the fertilizer into the week (1-2 inches of water) so it penetrates to a depth of top 6 inches of soil. If you fertilize with compost, apply 18-24 inches. no more than 1 inch of well-composted organic matter Fertilization: In addition to the fertilizer and at per 100 square feet of garden area. planting, apply 1 teaspoon per plant of nitrogen (21-0-0) Plants: Horseradish grows best at cool 4 and 8 weeks after planting. Too much nitrogen will temperatures (60-65F). Horseradish also requires a cause excessive top growth and root branching. fairly cold fall, when the root size and flavors develop. Handling: To produce smooth, strong roots, During the growing season, remove any of the bottom some gardeners dig around the plant after growth starts leaves that turn brown. to remove all additional leaf shoots except the one at the Planting and Spacing: Horseradish is top. After the leaves reach 1 foot tall, they will also dig propagated from crown or root cuttings. For areas with around the plant to uncover the upper part of the root short growing seasons, use the crown method. Dig a and carefully remove all of the larger lateral (branch) roots. These procedures help ensure that the main root as you will use in a month and store in the refrigerator. grows vigorously. Intact roots will retain their flavor for up to 3 months if Mulches and Row Covers: Mulching with stored properly. Horseradish roots should be stored in compost or leaves during the year will help retain moist sand or sawdust in a dark root cellar, or they can moisture and suppress weeds. be put in a plastic bag with moist sand and stored in the refrigerator. Save the side roots for planting the next Pest Control spring. Weeds: Hoeing between horseradish plants is recommended during the early growth when plants are Productivity small. When it matures, it is difficult for weeds to grow Horseradish produces from 3 to 7 pounds per near horseradish. square yard of planted area. One root will make about a Insects and Diseases: Few pests or diseases half-pint of horseradish . affect horseradish. Root rot is common if plants are over watered. Nutrition Horseradish provides potassium, , Harvest and Storage , phosphorus, iron, and vitamin B. Horseradish In regions with long growing seasons (150 also has antibiotic properties. days), horseradish can be harvested at the end of first year. Horseradish is harvested in the autumn and the root Frequently Asked Questions is stored until the next spring when plants are replanted. Q. Can horseradish leaves and roots be fed to It is important to dig all the roots during harvest since livestock? Do not feed animals horseradish, the volatile small roots from the horseradish can become a weed in oils in the plant cause acute inflammation of the stomach the garden. Harvest begins after several frosts which and can be fatal. helps improve flavor. Dig up the plant, trim off the tops and side roots and scrub root clean. For immediate consumption, grate only as much

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