Horseradish 'Rusticana' - 5 pieces

Horseradish is an old cultivated plant from the cabbage family. It forms a tuft of large, elongated leaves and can bear loose panicles of small white flowers in early summer. Its real treasure lies underground: long, fleshy roots with a strong, hot flavour.

Horseradish grows in sun and partial shade and loves deep, loose, nutrient-rich soil. With foliage about 90–110 cm tall, it needs a place of its own in the vegetable garden or at the edge of the cottage garden. As it spreads strongly from root pieces, it is best planted in a confined area or a large, deep container. Good neighbours are potatoes and fruit trees.

Harvest from October, when the foliage dies back, or as needed through the winter. The roots can be stored cool in damp sand. Freshly grated horseradish goes with boiled beef, smoked fish and beetroot. The plant is very long-lived and hardy, and every small piece of root sprouts again.

Plant the root pieces in spring from March to May. Lay them at an angle in loose soil so that the upper end is about 5 cm below the surface. Space them 35–50 cm apart and water them in. A root barrier or a deep container stops horseradish spreading through the bed.

Keep the soil evenly moist and the roots will grow thick and tender. One application of compost in spring provides enough nutrients. Remove the flower stems so that the plant puts its energy into the roots. When harvesting, dig up the whole root and replant a side piece for next year.