Know about Growing Horseradish in a Container in 6 Easy Steps
- Author: Saiqa Najeeb
- Last Updated On: July 31, 2023
Dreaming to pluck nutritious, freshly cultivated horseradish from your own backyard? However, you lack access to a yard or other outdoor area. Not to worry. Horseradish can be grown in a container from a small area on your balcony or patio.
Horseradish is high in potassium, calcium, vitamin C, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin B. Additionally, horseradish has antibacterial qualities.
The following guide will lead you through each detail and advice you need to know to effectively growing horseradish in a container. You’ll be able to grow horseradish in a container with a little bit of guidance.
Are you ready for the juicy details? Let’s explore this further!
About Horseradish
Horseradish is a resilient perennial vegetable that is grown for its large yellow-to-white taproot. It is grown from crown or root cuttings that are sown in the early spring. Horseradish can grow just about anywhere, but when given the right care and culture, the roots are bigger, tastier, and have less branching. Due to its robust growth pattern, it will be able to smother out unwanted vegetation like weeds.
Horseradish can become highly invasive, as anyone who has ever cultivated it agrees to. No matter how carefully you dig it up, some pieces of the root will certainly persist, and they will spread and sprout up in unexpected places. Horseradish cultivated in containers is the obvious solution.
Growing Conditions
Here are the optimal conditions for growing horseradish in a container:
Light: Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil Texture: High Organic Matter
Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist
Available Space To Plant: Less than 12 inches
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a, 10a, 11a, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b, 11b
Recommended varieties
While growing horseradish in a container, you can choose from many options.
German cultivar Maliner Kren has the strongest growth and biggest roots. New Bohemian is a variation that lacks the root quality and yield of other kinds but is resistant to white rust and mosaic. Variegata is a cultivar with cream-variegated leaves and tolerance for some shade. It is less invasive. Horseradish roots are hard to find in garden centers, so try searching online or asking a friend or gardener who grows the plants for root cutting.
How to Choose the Right Container?
For growing horseradish in a container choose a pot with drainage holes and a depth of 24 to 36 inches (61-91 cm) or more when growing horseradish in containers. Despite being cold-hardy, horseradish should only be planted in containers or started indoors once all threat of frost has passed. Cut a section of root that is 2 inches (5 cm) long at a 45-degree angle. Fill the pot with potting soil that has been composted before placing the item in it vertically. One inch (2.5 cm) of the soil mixture and one inch (2.5 cm) of mulch should be applied over the root. Place the pot in full sun to a semi-shady area and keep the soil moist but not damp.
How To Grow horseradish in a container?
1
Soil Preparation
All soil types will support the growth of horseradish as long as they are fertile, well-drained, and rich in organic matter. The pH range is 6.0 to 7.5. Before planting, add of all-purpose fertilizer (16-16-8) and 4-6 inches of well-composted organic matter. To give the plants a perfect environment for roots, double-dig this into the soil.
2
Planting
Cooler temperatures (60–65°F) are ideal for the growth of horseradish. Horseradish needs a cool fall to grow its root and enhance its flavors. Remove any brown bottom leaves that appear during the growing season.
Crown or root cuttings are used to multiply horseradish plants. Use the crown method in regions with brief growth seasons. Plants should be dug up, and the roots should be divided into four equal parts. Before planting at a 45-degree angle with the crown positioned 1 to 2 inches below the soil level, let the wounds heal for a few days. Root cuttings are sections of root about the size of a pencil that are cut from larger roots. Cut the other end at an angle and the end that is closest to the main root square.
Place the root’s square end higher in the container rather than the angled end. These root sections should be placed 1 foot apart, 2-3 inches deep. Some gardeners place the horseradish roots in buried pots or in PVC plastic pipes that are 12 inches wide and 24 inches long to prevent the plant from spreading. Plant in late March or early April.
3
Watering and fertilization
Horseradish is relatively drought tolerant, however, if under excessive stress, the roots turn woody and lose their flavor. If the roots are overwatered, they become incredibly soft and flavorful. Horseradish needs to be watered once a week with 1-2 inches of water for it to reach a depth of 18–24 inches.
Apply 1 teaspoon of nitrogen (21-0-0) per plant at 4 and 8 weeks after planting, in addition to the fertilizer and at the time of planting. An excess of nitrogen will result in excessive top growth and root branching.
4
Managing Pests and diseases
Mostly, horseradish is not susceptible to many plant problems. But you may encounter the following insects and diseases while growing horseradish in a container
- Leaf miners: These look like small maggots that are white in color, burrowing, and feeding in the leaves. They leave a lacy trail. They do not have a significant effect on the plant yield, but they make the beet leaves less usable.
- Flea Beetles: These are small black-colored beetles feeding on seedlings. Adults create tiny holes in the seedlings or cotyledons and leaves, resulting in a reduction in plant stand and even the killing of the plants. These can be controlled by applying insecticides at seeding stage or after the formation of the seedling.
- Leaf Spots: These are caused by a fungal disease that results in circular spots on the leaves. Plants usually catch leaf spots late in the year or when they remain wet for long periods of time.
- Root Rot: This is also a type of fungal disease that causes the rotting and decay of the roots. It may affect the yield of the plants. It can be controlled effectively with improved soil drainage, and seed treatments.
5
Harvest And Storage
While growing horseradish in a container, they can be harvested near the end of the first year in areas with longer growing seasons (150 days). Horseradish is picked in the fall, and the root is kept until the following spring when new plants are sown. When harvesting, it’s crucial to remove all of the roots because horseradish’s tiny roots can spread like weeds in the garden. After numerous frosts, harvest starts, which enhances the flavor. Trim the plant’s crowns and side roots, then dig it up and clean the root. Only grate as much for immediate consumption as you will use in a month, then store in the refrigerator. If properly preserved, intact roots can keep their flavor for up to three months. Horseradish roots should be kept in wet sand for storage.
Let's grow beets!
You can wave goodbye to store-bought horseradish and welcome wholesome vegetables to your door by growing horseradish in a container. Keep in mind that container gardening offers more benefits than just a space-saving alternative.
You are now prepared to begin your horseradish-growing journey with the help of this guide. So, are you prepared to savor the goodness of homegrown food? Simply take the first action and put in a little time and effort to get started. Your container garden will soon produce plentiful horseradish harvest.
