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

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03 Sep 21, Phil Lipski (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I live in Launceston. I would like to buy some plants. Thank you. Phil
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27 Jul 21, Donna Renaud (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Jackie, I know it was a long time ago, but do you still have any horseradish in Launceston ? I am in Beaconsfield and would love to grow some so I can make Fire Water with it. Donna.
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09 Dec 11, Paul (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Jackie, We would love a bit of your HR. we are south of Hobart(pelverata) and would love to get some that is proven in Tassie. Happy to pay for postage.
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01 Oct 11, Jen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I grow my hradish in deep pots and after harvesting and grating to preserve with AC vinegar etc it turned out very, very mild?? Not at all hot as I was expecting? Any idea's why?
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22 Jan 12, Peter (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, if you want your horseradish to be hot, leave it for 2 years in the ground - the older it is the hotter it gets. It does become woody so grating it is a problem. Back in Russia we'd leave the root over winter and in spring it would regrow, then at the end of season its harvested. I'm not sure it would work in Australia unless where you live winter is frosty.
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23 Jan 12, Jen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Thank you Peter for your suggestion, I have not harvested my horseradish last autumn / winter as I still had jars preserved from the previous year..So it will suit my pantry very well to harvest in the 2nd year at the end of this year. Thanx
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05 Feb 12, Peter (Australia - temperate climate)
No problem! Please let us all know how they turn out!Just a word of caution - protect your eyes when grating old horseradish - it will burn your eyes. Use swimming goggles. I know people who didn't realize this until it was too late - they got a chemical burn, took a week to recover. Cheers!
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27 Oct 11, (Australia - arid climate)
Apparently it depends on when you add the vinegar for the degree of hotness. The recipe I found on the net said vitamize and then add the vinegar at the very end for maximum bite. Mine made this way was very spicey.
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16 Nov 11, Jen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Thank you .... anonymous for your tip I shall try next season and hope for a bit more zing to the otherwise delicious condiment Jen
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01 Sep 11, Olessya (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Ted, Could you please sell me horseradish roots? I am looking for it all over the place but haven't found yet.
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Showing 291 - 300 of 339 comments
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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

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