How to Grow Horseradish

easyGardening1 season7 steps

Tools Needed

Dibber — or sharp-pointed stick for making planting holes

Horseradish sets — Root pieces 4 to 6 inches long(As needed)

Sand — For storing root sets until spring(As needed)

Prepare soil that is rich and deep to ensure the production of large roots.

Tip: If ground is not strong enough, the first year's growth may not be remunerative.

Plant sets in May.

Tip: Sets can be planted in rows between early crops like peas, beans, sweet corn, beets, or lettuce.

Use a dibber or sharp-pointed stick to make holes.

Tip: Set the roots with the upper end 3 inches below the surface of the ground.

Allow the plant to make its main growth after any companion crops are removed.

Tip: Horseradish is perfectly hardy and grows rapidly during late summer and autumn.

Cultivate the soil well once or twice after the early companion crops have been removed.

Tip: Little further attention is needed after this cultivation.

Lift the roots in December (or as late in the fall as weather permits).

Tip: To secure the best results as an annual crop, dig the roots in the same year they were planted.

Store harvested roots in an earth-covered heap, a pit, or in sand within a root cellar.

Tip: Save small lateral roots to be used as sets for the following year.

To keep roots straight and shapely, avoid methods that result in tough, stringy roots by ensuring proper planting and bed care.
Root pieces for planting (4-6 inches) can be packed in sand and stored until the following spring.

Synthesized from 6 verified sources:

Gutenberg: Farm Gardening GuideView →

Gutenberg: Manual of GardeningView →

Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →

Old Farmer's AlmanacView →

Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →