How to Grow Horseradish Roots
While many of us like it, Horseradish is a vegetable you don't see very often
in the home garden. It is a root crop which, if left untended, will grow
like a weed. Originally of European descent, Horseradish roots are very popular
in the U.S., for spicing up foods and snacks. One of the reasons people don't
grow it is that you can only use so much.
Horseradish is a prolific perennial grower, an invasive plant. Horseradish
roots are perhaps one of the most aggressive growers in the plant world,
easily overcrowding even the hardiest of weeds! It is such an easy vegetable
to grow, that in Europe some gardeners just stick them in a small hole, cover
the hole and walk away. The next time they visit is with a spade to harvest
the roots.
Did you know? The chemical that gives Horseradish it's bite and nose
clearing characteristic, is called isothyocyanates. It is big word for a
big root with a big bite. In our family, we judge the best Horseradish not
only by it's flavor, but by it's impact on the nasal passages.
Medicinal value:
Horseradish roots have been used for a variety of medical benefits. The most
well known of these being treatment for clearing nasal passages, coughs and
colds.
Varieties of Horseradish Roots:
There is only one variety of Horseradish.....that we know of.
Buy Horseradish Roots for planting
Sowing and Planting Horseradish:
Plant roots as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring. Plant them
four to six inches deep, and 1 1/2 to two feet apart. If you are planting
multiple rows, give them two to three feet between the rows.
How to Grow Horseradish Roots:
Growing Horseradish is very easy. Horseradish tolerates almost any soil.
A slightly acid soil is preferred. It will also grow in partial shade. You
may want to select a location that is away from other garden areas, as
Horseradish can become a weed, if it gets out of the bed you prepared for
it.
Prepare the soil as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring. While
it will grow in most soils, like other plants, it will produce better soil
rich in compost and manure. Work some soil amendments into the soil just
before planting.
Keep the plants well weeded early in their life and supply ample water during
dry periods. Add mulch for nutrients, and to retain water.
Harvesting Horseradish
Harvest horseradish roots in the fall, after the plant has been killed by
frost. Roots that are green, and still supporting a live plant, have much
less flavor.
Use a pitchfork to loosen the soil and lift the roots.
Wash and dry the roots. Use the bigger roots for making horseradish. Use
the smaller roots, to replant for next year.
Store roots in the dark, or they will turn green. Place them in a plastic
bag in the refrigerator, or in a root cellar.
Insects and Pests:
There are no major insect problems.
Disease:
Major disease problems do not normally occur.
Harvesting:
When planted in the spring, Horseradish can be harvested in the fall. If
you don't want to worry about them spreading like a weed, dig up all the
roots in the fall. Keep the large, fat roots for kitchen. Store the small,
thin roots to plant next spring.
A second method is to leave horseradish in the bed year round, picking roots
as you need them. During the process of picking them, thin them out, if they
become too crowded. Using this method, they can crowd each other and effect
the overall size of the roots, if they are not thinned out occasionally.
Horseradish tastes best if picked in the spring or fall. It is best used
right away, or kept in the refrigerator or other cool place.
Hardiness:
Horseradish is among the hardiest of perennials.
Recipes: May we suggest:
More Information:
Buy Horseradish Roots for planting
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