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 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 20 inches 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

10 Aug 12, Richard (Australia - temperate climate)
Big thanks for the link Justine. They sure have some good stuff there!
24 Jul 12, Deb (Australia - temperate climate)
Thanks Justine for a very useful link :)
17 May 12, Em (Australia - arid climate)
Usha, yesterday I bought some horseradish plants in Swanbourne, right next to the Swanbourne train station. I am so excited, I've been looking for it for years!
05 Apr 12, ellie (Australia - temperate climate)
Most European/Italian greengrocers will have it just now.Bought 100gm Tues.@$39.00 p kg. Most to grow in old holey buckets, H/radish can dry out quite quickly if not mulched. Keep eyes on leaqves, some pest find them quite yummy. Keep healthy.
13 Mar 12, Usha Veerappah (Australia - temperate climate)
Can anyone please tell me where I can buy fresh horseradish. I'd like to grow some in my garden and I live in Perth.
15 Jan 13, Simon (Australia - tropical climate)
I would also like some fresh horseradish roots. Would be willing to reimburse any costs. [email protected] Thanks Simon.
11 Mar 12, MIke (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yes, ours certainly seems to be stronger after a second year but the roots are very spindly and they are not easy to peel. Any tips on growing a thicker root? However, to make the sauce and not being too keen on hand grating, I first grated the root with the food processor. This gave thin matchsticks but also lots of lumps, then I added some vinegar and used the chopper to cut it finer and it worked well. I also added some hot mustard to give it a bit more zing.
22 Jan 12, Brian (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
is the horseradiah plant frost hardy?
23 Jan 12, Jen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hello Brian, I would say yes, as I have mine planted in a big 42 cm wide pot but did not move it into "winter quarters" as I do with my Kaffir Lime potted tree, it showed no damage over the years, Happy gardening Jen
17 Oct 11, jackie rolland (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
i am in Launceston Tasmania,and i have some horseradish plants if you would like some mike
Showing 281 - 290 of 339 comments

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.