How To Grow Horseradish

Horseradish is a perennial plant of the family Brassicaceae and is a root vegetable, cultivated and used worldwide most commonly as a spice or as a condiment. Horseradish root is naturally rich in antioxidants, which may help protect your body from cellular damage by attaching themselves to free radicals.

When to Plant:  

Plant your horseradish roots in the spring as soon as the soil is no longer muddy and can be tilled.  Horseradish may also be planted in the fall but mulch well to give them time to develop new roots prior to going dormant.  If necessary, store your horseradish roots in the original packaging in a refrigerator if they cannot be planted immediately.

Where to Plant: 

Choose a spot that has well drained soil in full sun to light afternoon shade.   Horseradish will not tolerate soggy areas with poor drainage.  A typical family can harvest enough horseradish from 2-3 plants.  Place your plants 30” apart in an area where they can grow for many years.

How to Plant: 

Horseradish will thrive in moist, fertile soils but will also grow contently in just about any type of soil.   Loosen the dirt to a shovels’ depth and add compost to your planting hole for a jump start.   Place the root cutting on a 45 degree angle with the thick end up and cover with 2” of soil.  Top off your newly planted horseradish with mulch to deter weeds.  Newly planted horseradish roots require a full year to become established.  Plants will die back to the ground after several hard frosts and the roots will rest dormant through the winter to begin again in the spring.  Flowers may appear in the spring and should be removed to prevent seeds which take energy away from the plants and their root development.

Time to Harvest:  

Your first harvest can take place one year after planting.  Horseradish develops most of the storage roots in early fall, so water during any dry spells.  Wait until the leaves have been damaged by several frosts, and then use a digging fork to loosen the soil to harvest the roots.  You can continue to harvest throughout the winter and in early spring whenever the soil is not frozen.    Store harvested roots in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, ready to use fresh or process.

Usage:  

To prepare horseradish, start first with a well ventilated room as the freshly grated roots emit potent fumes that are activated when crushed.  Wash the roots and peal the outer layer much like you would a carrot.  Cut roots into smaller sections and drop into a blender or food processor.  Add a small amount of water or crushed ice and grind to your desired texture and consistency.   For a mild sauce add 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar as you are grinding.  If you prefer a hotter horseradish, wait for several minutes to add the vinegar.   Basically the longer you wait; the hotter your prepared horseradish sauce will be.   Place in a clean jar and store in the refrigerator.

Helpful Tips:  

Keep it Cold to Keep it Hot!  Fresh horseradish loses its’ intense flavor as it cooks, so add this ingredient towards the end of cooking your favorite dish or use as a condiment on top!

After Care:  

There really is none as these are carefree plants, rated in the Top 5 easiest edible plants to grow.  They can be vigorous growers, so take care in disposing of even the smallest root pieces as if given the chance they will gladly increase your horseradish patch.   Replant fresh roots every 3-5 years as older roots become woody and harder to process.   Stagger plantings so that you do not interrupt your harvesting.

For best results with all your edible crops, keep their new home in your yard or container “weed-free”.