Around here, people harvest horse radish the week before Easter. I think it's local tradition. It's really good. I always get a quart jar from my neighbor, whose family has grown horse radish for generations. Peeled, food processed with white vinegar, and it keeps in the fridge for months. But never lasts that long.

I harvest just before there is a hard freeze. Leave it alone, let it grow. Dig up a couple now if you want to reduce its spreading. Mine went from nearly nothing two years ago to about 5 crowns last year. This year I have 9, because I didn't dig any up. Its usually at its most potent when the foliage is very small or none yet.

Thanks for the info. Guess I'll just try a few, though they're kinda soft. Usually do harvest after freeze, but didn't dig enough last fall; can't let this go...4 years and at least a dozen crowns, even with fall harvest. I think we're not severe enough!
Anne