10 Jun 15 Bella (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello Roy,
I live between Ballina & Lismore (NSW). Just dug up my horseradish (it's been in our subtropical garden for at least 18 months) and there's almost nothing but slender hairy roots! (But the leafy tops are magnificent!). Google indicates that we should be able to grow it well, but we haven't yet. Any tips, please? Same thing with celeriac. Have you ever tried that in Logan City. (Sometimes we get lost near you - whenever we come up to Ikea. Gonna try and get the correct exit no. showing prominantly). Thanks for your help. Bella
If the soil has too much nitrogen, it will not grow roots well (it doesn't really need thick roots in that case).
Horseradish, while delicious, is basically a weed, and does best when treated as such. You want to basically keep it nitrogen-starved.
Best soil for horseradish is nitrogen-poor, which causes much better root growth. (Also make sure the soil is loose).
Pick the worst piece of dirt you have. Cultivate to about 2 feet deep. Mix in sand, perlite, or coconut coir if necessary, to keep the soil loose. The only nutrients you should add are phosphorus and sulfur (I use epsom salts in water for the sulfur).
Only water as necessary.
You need to make it struggle a bit for it to put its energy into the roots. I doubt you get frost where you are, but cold weather (and frost) helps the roots develop better flavor.
Good luck!
Hello Bella, mine too with slender roots but what I'll be doing shortly is to cut the leaves almost to soil level so that the plant has less above and encourages the root growth instead of all the goodness above. By the way the leaves are also usable.
Is yours in a pot or in the ground? I've been growing in both, the potted ones are for anyone who would like to grow their own. Celeriac I haven't grown but celery yes.
If you miss the Browns Plains exit no worries if you find your way your way to Logan Central from Ikea , Wembley Road it's just a matter of going all the way to the end and that is crossing over Browns Plains Road then it's just a matter of a left and a left again.
Hi Rob I live in Crestmead and I am wanting to buy fresh horseradish . Would you know of anywhere in Brisbane or surrounding areas I could buy it?
Warmest Regards Andrea
18 Jun 15 Samantha (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Bella I had the same issue with our horseradish which was disappointing. I believe it required a low nitrogen soil, and our home made compost was likely rich in nitrogen as we had great growth with the tomato plants in the same plot... but not fruit. Beetroot was the same. Perhaps next season look for a low-nitrogen fertiliser for better root growth
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