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

17 Jun 17, Glenn Dahlem (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Are places unusually hot in summer, such as Phoenix, AZ area, too hot for horseradish to grow, assuming it's being watered throughout the summer months?
13 Oct 17, (Australia - arid climate)
It's not too hot, but in place like Nul Arbor plain in Aus., better to plant in Winter, & be sure to water.
13 Dec 10, Krystyna Clark (USA - Zone 7a climate)
It's 18 degress right now - tonight will be in single digets. Will stay that way for a week - can i still plant horseradish?
15 Jan 14, Debbie Schwitzer (USA - Zone 7a climate)
If it is celcius, then yes, otherwise, "Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F."
Showing 11 - 14 of 14 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

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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.
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