Growing horseradish

[Matt84]

I'm ordering some seeds off a site and they are also offering 3 horseradish roots for a fiver with free postage. I've thought about growing this before as I love the stuff. Have read its better to grow in containers as its impossible to eradicate if planted out. Anyone had experience doing this? And if so how deep would the containers need to be and basically is it worth growing?

I'm a complete novice by the way!

[sarraceniac]

Click here Matt. This was covered a week or two ago.

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...tml#post618922

[zazen999]

3 for £5. Wow

I've got at least £100 then in a bin bag at the lottie that I dug out last weekend.

If you want some, PM me and send me an SAE.

[gojiberry]

I grow it but rarely get around to actually using it as it has to be prepared fresh. Have not had any problems with control so far.

Ian

[coreopsis]

I planted mine straight into the ground-I'm not worried about spreading-it will be used often

[Paulottie]

Would love one of your thongs Andrea...have Pm'd you

[zazen999]

Rec'd and replied to

[Paulottie]

I grow it but rarely get around to actually using it as it has to be prepared fresh. Have not had any problems with control so far.

Ian

Certainly cleans out the sinuses grating it fresh!

My advice on planting it is....NIMBY....stick it in a hedge, on headland anywhere but your lottie/garden...it will grow through the bottom of pots too!

[flighty1]

Hi there folks, I have what I think are a couple of horseradish plants growing in a field at school. Or at least they were there last year. Currently there is no sign of them, so I have a couple of questions regarding horseradish please.

1. If these plants in the field were horseradish should they be showing signs of growth by now.
2. If I manage to get a few bits of root do I need big long bits or can I plant sections a couple of inches long (like comfrey)
3. Are there any other plants that resemble horseradish as I don't want to dig up a load of roots only to find I have poisoned my pupils.

I teach special needs children and we have an after school gardening club where we grow fruit & veg. We also make up things like jars of mint sauce, pot plants, hanging baskets etc for them to take home to their parents. I would love the kids to make some horseradish sauce but obviously don't want to take any chances.

[Bigmallly]

Take your pick flighty1 as I haven't a clue either.

horseradish - Google Search

[sarraceniac]

Hi flighty1.

1. My horseradish isn't showing yet. But when it starts..........

2. Horseradish will propagate from anything. You could almost eat it and breathe on the soil. I said almost.

Just editing to say 3. I'm not sure. But try just a very little of the root yourself. If it makes your eyes water and/or your nose run.......it is horseradish.

[sarraceniac]

I should have really edited and added this but it has just occurred to me. How old are the kids? Don't forget that preparing horseradish is an art in itself. The fumes are ridiculously allergenic. If you think strong onions are bad for your eyes then wait until you have tried this. Wearing glasses to protect your eyes from the fumes helps a little, but don't let any asthmatic etc. children near it.

[flighty1]

Thanks guys. Sarraceniac your comment regarding the fumes from the roots being "ridiculously allergenic" . Because of the type of children I teach all staff are fully up to speed with our pupils health issues. However, fumes are something new to consider. I will contact the parents to ask how they feel regarding making horseradish sauce before I let them near a root. However my OH & my daughter love horseradish so I will keep my eyes open for the new growth & dig a few bits up for planting at home. I was just a little concerned as Zazen999 stated earlier

I've got at least £100 then in a bin bag at the lottie that I dug out last weekend.

I had therefore assumed that as Zazen had dug hers up; as I live further south that mine would have been showing by now. (silly me)

Anyway, thanks again for your help. I will wait a few weeks & if nothing shows will buy a few thongs from the garden centre. Just one more question if I may. Do you get different varieties or is horseradish just horseradish. I only ask because it seems very expensive to buy from the garden centres/seed merchants for something that grows so readily.

[sarraceniac]

I wouldn't buy it. Zazen has some at the moment (mine is thinned in October so none left). I'm sure if you smile at her and send a large SAE she will send you some. If she hasn't any left then I'm sure I could find a thong except it takes a couple of years to get going and spread enough. Where are you approx. flighty1? We aren't nosy but it does help knowing whether people are in USDA zone 9a like south Cornwall or 7a like John o'Groats. It does so often alter advice. Perhaps you could alter your profile which means you wont get asked again.

[zazen999]

Yes chuck, mine were not only showing but pushing up the wooden pallet that was put on top of them to try and stop them growing last year.

But please don't buy it!!!

Send me an SAE with a large letter stamp and I'll bung some your way.