How to Grow Horseradish
Armoracia rusticana
Horseradish is an extremely vigorous perennial grown for its pungent white roots used as a condiment. Plant root cuttings (thongs) 15 cm deep in spring in rich, deep soil. Once established it needs almost no care — the challenge is containing it, not growing it. Harvest roots from autumn through winter when flavour peaks. Grow in a sunken container or with root barriers to prevent it taking over the garden.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Mulch with compost in spring. Rarely needs additional feeding — too much nitrogen produces lush leaves but weaker roots.
Watch For
- Flea beetles on leaves (cosmetic damage only)
- Cabbage white caterpillars
- Spreading beyond intended area
Companions
Potatoes (deters potato beetles), Rhubarb, Asparagus
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Full sun to partial shade. Produces the best roots in full sun but tolerates shade well. Very adaptable.
Spacing
45 cm apart, contain with barriers
Space 45 cm apart with 60 cm between rows. Contain with root barriers — any fragment left in soil regrows.
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established
Water during dry spells in the first year. Once established, horseradish is extremely drought-tolerant and rarely needs supplemental watering.
Fertilizing
Compost mulch in spring, otherwise self-sufficient
Mulch with compost in spring. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote leaves over roots. Generally self-sufficient in reasonable soil.
Growing Tips
Plant root thongs at an angle
Plant root cuttings (thongs) 15 cm deep at a 45° angle in spring. Use a dibber to make holes. The thicker end goes up. New shoots appear within weeks.
Contain to prevent spreading
Grow in a bottomless bucket sunk into the ground, or a raised bed lined with root barrier fabric. Any root fragment left in open soil will produce a new plant.
Harvest in autumn and winter
Dig roots from October onwards when foliage dies back. Use a fork to lift — roots go deep. Leave some root pieces in the ground for next year's crop.
Popular Varieties
Bohemian, Maliner Kren, Big Top Western, Common
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 45 cm |
| Row spacing | 60 cm |
| Mature height | 90 cm |
| Mature spread | 45 cm |
Space 45 cm apart. Extremely vigorous — consider growing in a container or raised bed with barriers to prevent spreading.
