horseradish

[greenfingerbag]

where is the best place to get horseradish plants from?

[Lesley Jay]

Hi GFB, as you have an allotment ask your fellow plot holders if they are growing horseradish and if they are, ask them if you can have a root cutting to plant on your allotment. The root needs to be fresh, about 20cms or 8 inches long and the best time to plant is in the spring. You can buy the roots online but this way is free!!

[greenfingerbag]

thanks i will do just that.

[GMB27]

Originally Posted by Lesley Jay

Hi GFB, as you have an allotment ask your fellow plot holders if they are growing horseradish and if they are, ask them if you can have a root cutting to plant on your allotment. The root needs to be fresh, about 20cms or 8 inches long and the best time to plant is in the spring. You can buy the roots online but this way is free!!

Great advice, answered a question of mine too. Thanks!

[Larkshall]

Please!!!!!! Don't infest allotments with horseradish. It's terribly difficult to get rid of, the smallest piece of root will survive. I know from experience, my father planted it in our garden and i am still suffering with it.

It compares with Japanese Knotweed, and should be banned on allotments.

[Papaver somniferum]

In Austria they sell roots of horseradish (Kren, or Meerrettich) in the supermarkets which the locals serve as a sort of Russian-roulette condiment. They simply grate the root and sprinkle it on meat. Sometimes you get a mild mouthful, sometimes it blows the back of your head off.

I brought a root back and grew the top in a saucer of water. When it sprouted I put it into a pot of compost and now we have more horseradish than I know what to do with. Having been warned about its propensity to spread, I keep it confined to a tiny plot that is surrounded by paving and I have a tub growing at the back door: easy access for the Sunday roast.

We simply dig a lump out of the tub when it's needed, shove the top back in to regenerate, and then grate the root about five minutes before sitting down to Sunday dinner. If you PM me your address I'll post a bit of root to you.