Growing Horseradish

Armoracia rusticana : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    P P                

(Best months for growing Horseradish in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Plant crowns
  • Easy to grow. Plant root pieces. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 50 cm apart
  • Harvest in 16-24 weeks. Some improvement in flavour if left till after frost..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Best kept separate

Your comments and tips

28 Jun 16, Debbie (Australia - temperate climate)
Geelong - buy a root from Geelong Fresh and plant- I am trying this Deb
20 Jun 16, Geelong Guy (Australia - temperate climate)
Looking for someone that can start me off with a couple of pieces of horseradish root in or around Geelong please?
09 Jun 16, Joyce (Australia - temperate climate)
My horseradish grew lush green leaves but now have been eaten to just a few leaves How do we know when the root is ready to be used.
07 Jun 16, sandra maasdorp (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Where can I order horseradish from in Jhb? How do I go about to get this and how much does it cost?. I live in Uitenhage EC
24 Jul 16, (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I found some at Rona Nursery in Jeffreysbay. You could do a day trip.
03 Jun 16, Johanna Bronson (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Where can I buy fresh horseradish or horseradish powder?
30 May 16, Star Geldenhuys (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I really would ike to grow horseradish. i Ilive in Knysna but I have a hothouse so I can control my conditions to a certain extent. I really really want to grow horseradish and would be mmost grateful indeed if you would help me. thanks in anticipation Star
29 May 16, Alta (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Where can I buy horseradish root please
27 May 16, Tami (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
whre can i buy horseradish in eastern cape
16 May 16, (Australia - temperate climate)
where to buy horseradish seeds in Australia?
Showing 221 - 230 of 529 comments

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!

- Mark

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.