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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
06 Feb 17, Sue (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it best grown in full sun or shade
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Horseradish will grow in full sun or part shade. It is a very hrdy plant and will spread rapidly in good conditions. To contain it you can plant it in a large planter pot and sink the pot into the ground. Horseradish loves damp conditions and in this situation will produce the best roots but will still do well with less water. Trust this helps
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Dec 16, Liz (Australia - temperate climate)
It's 30th Dec 2016, my horse radish leaves are about a foot long, should I dig it now, if not, when thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Jan 17, John Mauger (Australia - temperate climate)
Horse radish would normally be harvested when it is dormant but there's no reason why you couldn't dig down beside the plant an bandicoot a few roots for your favourite source! Horseradish is very hardy and any piece left in the ground will grow. Trust this helps.
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Dec 16, Pat (Australia - temperate climate)
When should I harvest my horseradish ? Very leafy i its own raised bed and looking real healthy
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Dec 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Horseradish would normally be harvested in the winter when it is dormant but there is no reason why you couldn't dig down beside the plant and raid a few root pieces. the plant is almost indestructable and any small pieces of root left in the ground will grow. keep the manure, water and mulch up for good quality roots. trust this helps.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Oct 16, john mcdonald (Australia - tropical climate)
Where do I buy horse radish In Nth Queensland.Not Coles,Woolies ,or IGA.DONT SELL IT ANY MORE
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Feb 17, Tricia (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes very frustrating not to be able to buy a Horse radish plant in South East Queensland,, The shop bought horse radish cream , is very poor quality,
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Horse radish will be in leaf by now. You should be able to get it from places like Green Harvest' online. I am happy to send you a few pieces of root from my plants if you can't find it. Reply to this email if you want some. It is very easy to grow from pieces of root. just plant them with the thickest end level with the soil and they will soon sprout. Trust this helps.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Dec 16, dave (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi John, We have been looking for horseradish for months and can only find it on ebay. Not to keen on buying plants online. If you still have some to spare I would be more than happy to pay for postage. Thanks Dave
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 101 - 110 of 339 comments
See comments for all plants

As regards horseradish, I have grown this plant, but in my opinion, it would be a mistake to think you can plant it in April and harvest in 24 weeks time and have a useful root. For Horseradish to get a nice thick root, with the distinct pungent flavour, it takes a good two years per plant. And do not underestimate how much work it is to clean the dirt out before shredding the root. It is a wonderful taste and worth the hard work, but in my experience, you need to set up a dedicated bed, plant the roots and then prepare to wait a few years to get the cycle of having a constant supply of usable nice thick roots. The roots grow very deep into the soil (a good 2-3+ feet) so it is a good idea to leave some room around each group of plants, because you need to dig quite a wide hole to get the roots out. We always harvest at Easter here in Sydney. Bon apetit.

- Pauli

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.