Growing Horseradish

Armoracia rusticana : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                    P P

(Best months for growing Horseradish in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Plant crowns
  • Easy to grow. Plant root pieces. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 20 inches apart
  • Harvest in 16-24 weeks. Some improvement in flavour if left till after frost..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Best kept separate
  • Horseradish leaf

Horseradish is grown from root cuttings. If you know someone who has it in their garden, just one piece of root will start off for you.

Dig a deep hole and refill with compost as the horseradish has a long taproot. Plant it and then leave it alone. Apart from constant wet or cold, horseradish will grow in any part of the garden.

Horseradish is an aggressive grower and will quickly take over the garden. It will also grow well in a deep container or sink an old bucket in the ground to prevent spreading. Otherwise, remove all the plant when you harvest it and save one piece to replant.

Can be planted in early Autumn or Spring

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Horseradish

Strong, spicy flavour traditionally used with roast beef.

Used grated for horseradish sauce or horseradish cream.

Your comments and tips

04 Jun 11, Maria (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi just wanted to know if I can grow this in Dunedin, or where I could buy some fresh horse radish, thanks
21 Sep 11, Ross (Australia - tropical climate)
If your soil is volcanic they should do well the best horseradish I ever grew was in red volcanic soil in the Redlands east of Brisbane
30 Mar 13, Kevin McCarthy (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can money be made from growing Horseradish on a small plot? Thanks
15 Sep 13, Margaret Dagger (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
where can I buy horseradish seed or root ?
11 Feb 14, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Go hunting for it. First time I found was in an empty lot with sparse but green grass in Christchurch. Second time was by the Taylor river under a willow tree. On the bank. If you familiarise yourself with the leaves and keep a spade handy, its not difficult to find. It grows all over the place.
19 Sep 13, WARREN DAVIDSON (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Please where can i obtain a horseradish root;i live in warkworth. Thank you
09 Oct 13, Callum (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I got mine from kings plant barn on the weekend. They had to order it in but it only took 2 weeks and cost $4
28 Nov 13, Frances (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I have grown horseradish several years in a row & havent managed to harvest a decent root yet. It sprouts up year after year but is all leaf & no useable leaf. What am I doing wrong?
24 Apr 15, Lynne (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I haven't grown it yet and have just bought a small plant. Plant in the full moon week as it is for root growth.
30 Apr 14, Brian (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi everyone, Does anyone have a horseradish plant root for sale? I really want to plant some in my garden. Please PM if you do! Thanks, Brian
Showing 1 - 10 of 58 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Horseradish

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.