Horseradish
Armoracia rusticana
Horseradish is a perennial vegetable (or herb) that is primarily grown for its flavorful and pungent roots. The leaves can also be eaten when they are young and tender. Horseradish is grown from root divisions and can spread quickly. For that reason, many gardeners grow it within barriers or in a container. Horseradish is normally planted in spring from root segments or sometimes potted nursery plants. It will quickly grow and be ready to harvest by fall.
How to Grow Horseradish
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Growing from Seed
Horseradish is not typically grown from seed.
Planting Considerations
Horseradish is very aggressive, so be mindful where you plant it. Any roots left in the ground will spread and grow new plants the following year. However, horseradish is also a very good pest repellant, especially for potatoes. Consider planting horseradish at the corner of your potato patch. If you are growing your horseradish as a perennial, you can leave some in the ground and harvest as needed. Just keep in mind that the more broken pieces left in the ground, the more plants you will have the next growing season. Alternatively, you can remove all of the roots and save some for planting the next year. Digging up the entire plant and saving pieces is often the preferred method because horseradish can become aggressive.
Feeding
For optimal growth, feed or side-dress horseradish every month.
Harvesting
Spring-planted horseradish roots will be ready to harvest in the fall, ideally after the first frost. Dig around the base of the plant and lift the large, central root and as many of the smaller roots as possible. In frost-free climates, winter harvest is recommended. If you want to eat some young horseradish greens, harvest them before the bugs eat too many holes in them. They grow back in a week or so.
Storage
Wrap the harvested, unwashed horseradish pieces in plastic and store them in the refrigerator.
