Horseradish is a flavoring herb with a powerful flavor when raw or a mild flavor when cooked. Cooking evaporates the oil that is released when grating it, which is responsible for much of its flavor. Horseradish can be used in dips, creamy sauces like mayonnaise or goes particularly well combined with avocado.
The biggest problem with horseradish is it will take over your garden. Once it is planted it will hang around forever unless you take some pretty extreme and exhaustive measures to get rid of it. You had better love horseradish before growing it in your garden or you may regret it down the line.
How To Grow Horseradish
Horseradish is grown from root cuttings or by dividing a larger plant. Root cuttings or divisions will ideally be approximately 6 inches (15cm) long. Plant them at a depth of 2 inches (5cm) spaced a foot (30cm) apart. They can be started in pots if needed, but they tolerate being planted directly in the ground absolutely fine.
Horseradish will grow in all soils. For best results, plant in a rich, moist soil. The soil may need to be prepared before planting by digging through organic matter, but going to this effort is rarely needed. It does not need fertilizer, but if you are desperate to give it something to eat, liquid seaweed works well.
Water during the dry periods of summer. It is a frost tolerant plant so will cope well on its own in winter.
Harvesting Horseradish
Two components of horseradish are used: root and leaf. The leaves are best when young and can be picked at any time. Later in the plant’s life the roots are best. Roots can be stored in bags of sand to keep.