Got a backhoe handy? If you leave even a small piece of root, you will have it growing back.

Thanks. That's what I figured... I guess I'll be digging a REALLY big hole this fall! Also, I should wait until it gets cold to harvest correct?

I learned the horseradish lesson too... It's tenacious! I actually have harvested year round - but I pull the pieces I don't want growing during spring and summer. I harvest the main crop in late fall/early winter.

And in case it saves you some grief. Jerusalem artichokes are worse than horseradish. They spread like bamboo...

Cindy

Beware of horseradish. We have it popping up 50 feet from the initial planting.

Many people who grow horseradish grow the plants in tubes. It prevents the horseradish from spreading, eases the harvest, and causes the roots to be fairly straight.

Tubes can be boughten or made. To make 3 tubes, get a 10 foot section of 4 inch schedule 40 (or 80) PVC drain pipe (non-perforated). Cut it into 3 equal length (3'4") sections.

Attach with screws a perforated pipe cap on one end of each section of pipe. Do not glue the cap in place.

On the other end, drill 2, or more, 1/2 inch holes 4 inches from the end.

With a post hole digger, dig a hole 3 feet deep and place the tube in the hole, capped end down, leaving about 4~6 inches sticking out.

Fill the tube with compost, leaving about 6 inches head space, and plant the horseradish root in it. Water as needed.

When harvesting, attach something to the 2 holes at the top of the tube to enable you to pull it out.

Sometimes the plant, dirt and all will slide out of the tube easily. Sometimes it takes work. I have found it easiest to have a log embedded in the ground, as a short post, and force the tube over it, which pushes everything up out of the tube.

Note: I have found it easiest for me to place the tubes vertically. Some people place them at 45 degrees or less. Whatever works best for the grower.

Good luck.

Wow... fantastic idea! Maybe I will try that next year... or just try to contain it to the spot it's in best I can! Glad I'm not the only one who's had this problem!

Of note- even though this horseradish has only been in my yard since last fall, I also noticed a few leaves poking out in the yard when the lawnmower was broken. At least 20 feet away! What a vigorous little root!

I can attest to the Jerusalem artichokes taking over. I do want to try some Horseradish too. Thanks for the tip. Where would I get some to start off?

Gumby- if you're in Connecticut I'm sure I will have plenty to share when I dig it up in October :)

You can buy some in the spring from Nourse Farms in Massachusetts; Miller Nurseries in New York State; or Johnny's in Maine. All accept Internet orders.

I am. Good deal. And thanks.

I have a double kitchen sink that i have mounted on 2/4's. I want to make one side or both sides for horseradish. #1: is 8 to 10" deep, deep enough? #2: Anyone in the SW Washington area have some extra roots they would like to trade for some fabulous eggs from pastured chickens for some frozen blueberries? The sink has a lovely full southern exposure. Thanks to all that answer ;-)

I see that horseradish is not adapted to Phoenix on the Maricopa gardening website. Wondering if anyone has tried it this far south? I'd like to try some in a container, maybe in a partially shaded spot.

Ok I was told you could plant horse radish from a root you bought at the grocery store. I went there and it was HUGE. Is it like a potato? I didn't really see any "eyes". How small of pieces can you plant and still have a reasonable chance getting it to grow. THANKS !!! Pam

WOW! I must be a bad gardener.
I had horseradish for two years & it may still be a live.
I have had Jerusalem artichoke for 3 years & it has spread some, but not much.
Ever thing else seems to be fine.

In my experience any piece of horseradish root will grow regardless of how small. I have been successful at containing mine by covering the ground around my horseradish patch with black plastic. Any stragglers outside of the plastic i just pull out.

Dale

I planted horseradish about 2 weeks ago and it still hasn't broken the surface. I planted them about 2" below the surface and have kept them sufficiently watered as instructed. Should I be worried? If these don't turn out, can I replant mid-summer in the Midwest? I ordered them online and they were a little soft when they arrived.