Question:
I love Horseradish; the hotter, the better, so I would like to grow my own. When is Horseradish plants or seeds available and how is it grown?Answer:
- Horseradish is a rugged, cold-hardy perennial herb. It's an evergreen that thrives in full sun but tolerates light shade and can take almost any type of soil except those consistently waterlogged.
- It's available at garden centers during the winter, January, and February, as root divisions; however, you may also find it in the early spring in containers. Horseradish is not available from seed.
- Horseradish is an aggressive grower, so you must select an out-of-the-way location to keep it under control.
- In heavy clay, roots can become twisted and malformed, much like carrots. Hence, you generously amended with any of the blended soil conditioners or homemade compost. In a container, use potting soil. The planting hole should be one foot wide and as deep. Next, hold the root upright and add the backfill until all but the tip or crown is covered.
- A starter fertilizer is sprinkled over the top of the plant and water. You'd mulch the plant(s) with a one to two-inch layer of organic matter once the rainy season concludes.
- One plant is usually plenty for a family. If you need more, space the plants thirty inches apart. Your first harvest occurs the following spring, as soon as the new growth begins to forms.
- You'll be harvesting the roots for their pungent flavor. This works better in our mild climate than harvesting in the late fall, as is recommended in other climates. Besides, when harvesting in the spring, you avoid the hassle of overwintering the root cuttings.
- The first-year roots are the most pungent. The most common issue gardeners face with Horseradish is not how to grow it but how to keep it from growing where they don't want it.
- Horseradish plants spread vigorously, once it's established, so again, you should select an out-of-the-way site. To control the spreading harvest all the roots, including its branches, then replant only the number of roots you desire as plants for next year. You would save the longest root(s) for replanting and use the rest for your homemade horseradish dishes.
- The best method of preventing Horseradish from getting out of control is to grow it in a large container or in a bottomless container placed into the garden soil. It's also the recommended method in small gardens.
- This keeps the Horseradish in check, allows for good drainage, and makes harvesting the roots a snap. The dirt is washed and or scrubbed off the roots, and they're dried before being stored. Horseradish roots will keep in the vegetable bin of your refrigerator for three months or even longer if enclosed in a perforated plastic bag
- And finally, whatever you do, don't till the ground containing horseradish roots or place the roots in your compost pile. You run the risk of spreading the plant all over your garden.