How to Grow Horseradish
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How to grow horseradish is mostly a question of containment and patience. The plant is a hardy perennial grown for its thick white taproot, and Wisconsin says the smallest piece of root left in the ground can grow a new plant. This guide follows four pages: Utah State University Extension, University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension, the University of Maryland Extension commercial guide, and the Royal Horticultural Society. They agree on sun, soil and harvest, and they disagree on whether to plant in the ground.
Horseradish is also a plant to keep away from animals. Utah State warns against feeding it to livestock, and that warning is part of the plan below.
Quick answer
- Plant root pieces or crowns in spring, in well-drained soil that is fertile and rich in organic matter, as Utah State advises.
- Contain the plant. The RHS advises a large, deep container, while Utah State and Wisconsin describe buried pots or tubs for in-ground plantings.
- Water once a week with 1 to 2 inches of water, as Utah State advises, and avoid overwatering the roots.
- Dig every root at harvest after several frosts, since small roots left behind can become a weed.
Know the plant and its roots
Horseradish, Armoracia rusticana, is a long-lived perennial in the cabbage family. The RHS says it is related to mustard and wasabi. The plant is grown for the long, thick roots that are grated raw to make horseradish sauce. Wisconsin describes those roots as large, white, fleshy and tapered, with a hot, bitter taste.
Wisconsin says a horseradish plant forms a rosette about 2 feet tall, with a spread of 18 inches or more, and its large, coarse, wavy leaves grow on long stems from the crown. The RHS says the clump can grow up to 35 inches tall. In early summer, the plant produces small white flowers on a tall stalk, followed by small seed pods, according to Wisconsin.
The flavor comes from the roots’ chemistry. Wisconsin says the pungency comes from mustard oils, called glucosinolates, that are released when the plant’s cells are cut or grated. The page says the flavor degrades quickly and becomes unpleasantly bitter if you do not use it right away or mix it with vinegar to stop the change.
Choose light and soil
Horseradish is not fussy about light. Wisconsin says it does best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. The RHS says it thrives in sun or partial shade. The main soil rule is good drainage. Utah State says horseradish will grow in all soil types if they are well drained, high in organic matter and fertile, with a recommended pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
Wisconsin adds that the plant prefers deep, moist soil but will grow almost anywhere. Wisconsin says lighter soils are best for the annual digging that harvest requires. The RHS says the plant is fully hardy in the UK, and Wisconsin rates it hardy in zones 2 to 9.
Utah State says to check fertilizer needs with a soil test before planting, and to work any fertilizer into the top 6 inches of soil. For a soil mix that works in a large container, see best soil for raised planters.
Plant from root pieces or crowns
Utah State describes two ways to start the plant. The first is the crown method, which it recommends for areas with short growing seasons. Dig a plant, split the root into four equal pieces that each carry some leaf and root tissue, then let the wounds heal for several days. Plant each piece at a 45-degree angle, with the crown one to two inches below the soil surface.
The second method uses root cuttings. Utah State defines root cuttings as pencil-sized pieces of root taken from larger roots. Cut the end nearest the main root square, and cut the other end on an angle. Plant the square end higher than the angled end, 2 to 3 inches deep and about a foot apart. For the average garden, Utah State gives late March or early April as the planting window, with four to six plants enough for a family.
Wisconsin describes the same root segments, saying the top of each root, where the shoots emerge, should sit at or just slightly below soil level. It says to place 8 to 12 inch root segments vertically or at up to a 45-degree angle in the soil.
Container planting follows a different rule. The RHS says to plant in spring or early summer, in a large, deep container in sun or partial shade. It advises a container at least 30 centimeters, or 12 inches, wide and deep, filled with peat-free multi-purpose compost. Plant one young plant in the center, or up to three roots. To plant a root, the RHS says to insert it vertically so the top is 5 centimeters, or 2 inches, below the surface, then cover it with compost and water well.
Choose a containment plan
This is where the sources disagree most. The RHS says planting horseradish in open ground is not recommended, because it forms a vigorous spreading clump that is hard to control or remove. It adds that the plant will root deeply and regrow from sections of root left behind. The RHS suggests growing it in a large pot to stop the spread and make harvest easier.
Utah State and Wisconsin both allow in-ground planting with containment. Utah State says some gardeners plant the roots in buried pots or in 12-inch wide and 24-inch long PVC pipes to keep the plant from spreading. Wisconsin says burying a large plastic tub with the bottom cut out around the plant may help contain it, and it suggests a large, deep container as the other option.
The Maryland commercial guide adds a practical warning: roots left in the ground for two or more growing seasons become stringy and woody, and if they are not harvested they can become a weed.
| Source | Recommended approach | Container or barrier size | Root depth at planting |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHS | Large deep container; open ground not recommended | At least 30 cm (12 in) wide and deep | Top 5 cm (2 in) below the surface |
| Utah State University | Root cuttings in buried pots or PVC pipe | 12 in wide and 24 in long PVC pipe | 2 to 3 inches |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Buried plastic tub, bottom cut out, or a large deep container | Not stated | At or just below soil level |
| University of Maryland Extension | Harvest the roots so they do not become a weed | Not applicable (commercial guide) | Not stated for home use |
For large pots on a patio or deck, see best deck garden planters.
Water and feed the plants
Utah State says horseradish is quite drought tolerant, but the roots become woody and weak in flavor when they are stressed. It also says overwatering makes the roots very soft and strong in flavor. Its guidance is to water once a week with 1 to 2 inches of water, enough to soak the soil to a depth of 18 to 24 inches.
The RHS guidance is similar for the first year. Water horseradish planted in the ground during dry spells in its first year, and once it is established it should not need extra watering. Plants in containers need more. The RHS says they will need watering during the growing season, especially in warm, dry weather, and that the leaves may flop if the plant gets too dry.
Feeding follows a schedule in the Utah State guide. It says to apply a teaspoon of nitrogen fertilizer, 21-0-0, per plant, 4 and 8 weeks after planting, in addition to the fertilizer worked in at planting. It warns that too much nitrogen causes excess top growth and root branching. For an in-ground bed, Utah State says mulching with compost or leaves during the year will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
The RHS suggests a different mulch rule. Horseradish grown in the ground benefits from a 5 to 7.5 centimeter, or 2 to 3 inch, layer of well-rotted organic matter applied in late winter or early spring. Mulch improves the soil, retains moisture and suppresses weeds, according to the same page.
Care during the growing season
The plant needs a few small jobs through the year. Utah State says to remove the bottom leaves that turn brown during the season. It also says that some gardeners dig around the plant after growth starts to remove extra leaf shoots, leaving only the top shoot. Once the leaves reach about a foot tall, the same page says to uncover the upper root and carefully remove the larger side roots, so the main root grows strong and smooth.
Weeding is easiest early. Utah State recommends hoeing between plants while they are small. Once the plant matures, the page says, weeds find it difficult to grow near horseradish. Utah State also says few pests or diseases affect horseradish, but root rot is common when plants are overwatered.
The RHS says that once the plant is established, horseradish is vigorous, robust and low maintenance. Cut back the faded leaves once they die down in late autumn, or before new growth starts in spring. The RHS also says that harvesting roots annually keeps a plant at a manageable size, and that regular harvest helps control the spread of clumps in pots and in the ground.
Varieties to look for
Utah State names three varieties. Maliner Kren is a German variety with the most vigorous growth and the largest roots. New Bohemian may lack the root quality and yield of other varieties, but it is resistant to white rust and mosaic. Variegata is less invasive, has cream-variegated leaves, and tolerates partial shade.
Wisconsin says the commercial types are broadly divided into two groups. Common types have broad crinkled leaves and superior root quality, while Bohemian types have narrow smooth leaves, somewhat lower root quality, and better disease resistance. Wisconsin notes that specific varieties are rarely available to home gardeners, apart from the ornamental Variegata.
The Maryland commercial guide lists three types: Common, Bohemian and Big Top Western. Big Top Western has large, upright leaves and resistance to virus and white rust, but its roots are rough or corky. The guide advises using locally selected strains adapted to your area.
Harvest and store the roots
Harvest timing is consistent across the pages. Utah State says harvest begins after several frosts, which improves flavor, and that the roots are dug in autumn and stored until spring replanting. Wisconsin says the best time is fall after frost has killed the leaves, or early spring before growth resumes. It also says year-old roots have the most flavor, while older roots become woody, pithy or hollow.
Dig carefully and dig everything. Wisconsin says to dig carefully so the large roots are not damaged, and to replant the offshoots while the main root is harvested. Utah State says to dig all the roots, because small roots left behind can become a weed in the garden.
The RHS says that for a potted plant you tip it out, take up to half the roots from the clump, and replant the rest in the pot. The Maryland guide adds that roots can be stored for 8 to 9 months when kept in the dark at 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 98 percent relative humidity, and that roots exposed to light turn green.
For storage at home, Wisconsin says intact roots keep for a few months when kept cool, dark and humid, such as in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Use the roots
Grated horseradish is the usual product. Wisconsin says prepared horseradish is the grated root mixed with vinegar, and that it should be white to cream colored. Horseradish sauce is prepared horseradish with cream or mayonnaise added. The RHS says the long, thick roots are harvested and grated raw to make the sauce.
Handle with care
Keep horseradish away from animals. Utah State says not to feed animals horseradish, because the volatile oils in the plant cause acute inflammation of the stomach and can be fatal.
Grated root can irritate your eyes. Wisconsin says its compounds will make your eyes water like onions can. The pages do not describe first-aid steps, so this guide does not add any.
How we chose
We chose four pages, each opened with HTTP 200 on 2026-10-23 and read in full. Utah State and Wisconsin are university extension sources. The Maryland guide is a University of Maryland Extension PDF written for commercial production, so the guide draws only on its general statements about roots, weeds and storage, and left out its chemical control, fertilizer-rate and field-spacing advice. The RHS page covers container planting, mulch and harvest.
We left out three pages that returned HTTP 403: a University of Minnesota page, a Texas A&M page and a University of Missouri page. Commercial pages in search results were not used.
What we could not verify
The sources are written for different places. The RHS covers the United Kingdom, Wisconsin covers zones 2 to 9, Utah State covers Utah, and the Maryland guide is written for commercial production. Frost, rain and season length will change the timing for your yard.
What the sources do not say
The sources disagree on whether to plant in the ground, so that choice is yours. They also give different depths and spacings: Utah State says 2 to 3 inches and a foot apart for root cuttings, the RHS says the top should sit 2 inches below the surface in a container, and Wisconsin gives only the position of the top. None of the pages gives a first-aid step for skin or eye contact.
Frequently asked questions
Can horseradish be planted in the ground?
Utah State and Wisconsin both describe in-ground planting, with a buried pot, pipe or tub to contain the roots. The RHS says open-ground planting is not recommended because the plant spreads and is hard to remove.
When should horseradish be harvested?
Wisconsin recommends fall, after frost has killed the leaves, or early spring before growth resumes. Utah State says harvest begins after several frosts, which improves flavor.
How long can horseradish roots be stored?
The Maryland guide says roots can be stored for 8 to 9 months under cool, dark, humid conditions.
Is horseradish safe around animals?
Utah State says not to feed animals horseradish, because its volatile oils can cause acute inflammation of the stomach and can be fatal.
Why do roots turn woody or lose flavor?
Utah State says the roots become woody and have a weak flavor when the plant is stressed by too little water, and that overwatering makes roots very soft and strong in flavor. Wisconsin says older roots become woody, pithy or hollow, and that year-old roots have the most flavor.
Sources
- Utah State University Extension, “How to Grow Horseradish in Your Garden”: https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/horseradish-in-the-garden (opened 2026-10-23)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension, “Horseradish, Armoracia rusticana”: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/horseradish-armoracia-rusticana/ (opened 2026-10-23)
- University of Maryland Extension, “Horseradish” (commercial vegetable production PDF): https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/2021-03/Horseradish.pdf (opened 2026-10-23)
- Royal Horticultural Society, “How to grow Horseradish”: https://www.rhs.org.uk/herbs/horseradish/grow-your-own (opened 2026-10-23)
