Want to grow your own horseradish?
It’s easier than you think!
We’ve got 9 great tactics for you. Simple steps that anyone can follow.
Ready to grow that spicy root?
Let’s get started!
Pick the Perfect Spot
Horseradish loves sunlight, so pick a sunny spot in your garden. It also needs well-drained soil—you don’t want those roots sitting in water.
Make sure you have enough space because horseradish can spread out. You might even consider a container if you’re short on garden space, just make sure it’s big enough for the roots to grow.
Prepare Your Soil
Your soil needs to be rich and fertile. Mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to give it a nutrient boost.
Horseradish likes a slightly acidic to neutral pH, so if you’re unsure, grab a soil testing kit. Good soil prep means happy, vigorous plants, so don’t skip this step!
Get Your Roots Ready
You can start with horseradish crowns or root cuttings. If you’re using cuttings, make sure they’re about 8 to 14 inches long.
Plant them at an angle so that the top is about 2 inches below the soil. Make sure there are some buds on the root, as that’s where your plant will start to grow.
Water Wisely
Horseradish needs consistent moisture, but it doesn’t like to be waterlogged. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist.
Watering deeply once a week should do the trick, especially if you’re in a dry area. Just keep an eye on the soil and adjust as needed.
Remember, too much water can lead to root rot.
Mulch for Moisture
Mulch helps keep moisture in the soil and weeds out. Spread a layer of organic mulch, like straw or wood chips, around your horseradish.
This simple step can save you a lot of weeding and watering time. Plus, as the mulch breaks down, it adds nutrients to your soil.
Harvest Time
Horseradish root is usually ready to harvest in the late fall. You’ll know it’s time when the leaves start to yellow and die back.
Use a garden fork to lift the roots out of the soil. Be careful not to damage them!
Cut off the foliage and get those roots in storage.
Store It Right
After harvesting, clean the roots and let them dry out for a couple of days. Store them in a cool, dark place with good ventilation.
Wrapping them in slightly damp sawdust or sand can help keep them fresh. Stored properly, your horseradish can last for months.
Avoid Pests and Diseases
Horseradish is pretty hardy, but keep an eye out for common pests like beetles and aphids. A simple way to keep pests at bay is to hose them off with water or use insecticidal soap.
Rotating crops each year and keeping your garden clean can help prevent diseases too.
Divide and Conquer
If your horseradish starts taking over, it’s time to divide the plants. Dig up the roots and slice them into smaller sections, making sure each piece has some buds.
Replant these sections to keep your horseradish patch manageable. This also helps keep the plants healthy and productive.