How to Grow Horseradish in Australia
A hardy perennial root for the cooler garden, grown from cuttings
Horseradish is a tough, hardy perennial grown for its pungent root, the base of horseradish cream and a kick in mustards and a Bloody Mary. It thrives in the cooler southern districts of Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and the southern tablelands, and will grow in warm-temperate gardens like Sydney and SEQ if you give it a cool, moist, summer-shaded spot.
It is grown from root cuttings rather than seed, it is almost impossible to kill, and that is exactly why you should plant it somewhere you can keep it in check.
When to Plant in Your Region
Varieties to Try
Common Horseradish
The standard pungent variety grown from root cuttings or crowns. Hardy, vigorous and the one to grow for the kitchen.
Variegated Horseradish
Cream-and-green leaves, a milder ornamental form with the same fiery root. Pretty in a herb bed.
How to Plant Horseradish
Plant a pencil-thick root cutting (a "thong") about 20 to 30 cm long, from late winter to early spring. Set it on a slant in deep, rich, moist soil, with the thicker crown end up and about 5 to 8 cm below the surface. Space plants 40 to 60 cm apart. It is happiest in full sun in cool climates, and in part shade where summers are hot.
Because horseradish spreads from any root left in the ground and can take over a bed, the smart move is to grow it in a large, deep pot or a contained section of the garden. It needs little care beyond steady moisture and the occasional feed.
Harvesting
Lift roots from autumn into winter, after the leaves have died back, when the flavour is strongest. Dig down beside the plant and lift the main root, leaving a few side roots if you want it to regrow. Wash, and store whole roots in the crisper for weeks, or grate and cover with vinegar in a jar to keep the heat for months.
Common Problems
It takes over
Any root fragment regrows, so horseradish can become invasive. Grow it contained, and when you harvest, lift as much root as you can.
Poor flavour in hot areas
Heat-stressed roots can be woody and weak. In warm regions give afternoon shade and consistent moisture, and harvest in the cool months.
Leaf spot
Fungal spotting in humid weather is cosmetic. Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering; the root is unaffected.
Track Your Horseradish Growing
Add horseradish to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for sowing, care and harvest time.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant horseradish in Australia?
Plant root cuttings from late winter into spring (roughly June to September). It is a perennial, so once established it comes back each year. Check the calendar above for your region.
Do you grow horseradish from seed?
No. Horseradish is grown from root cuttings or crowns, not seed. A pencil-thick piece of root about 20 to 30 cm long, planted on a slant, will grow into a full plant.
Will horseradish grow in warm areas like Brisbane?
Yes, but it prefers cooler southern districts. In warm-temperate and subtropical gardens give it a cool, moist, summer-shaded spot and harvest in the cool months for the best, strongest root.
How do I stop horseradish taking over?
Grow it in a large deep pot or a contained bed, because any root left in the soil will resprout. When you harvest, lift as much of the root system as you can.
See also: Horseradish in the Plant Library
