Hi there are loads of horseradish plants around our allotments and recently I decided to dig some up and grate it/preserve it. Its quite woody though - is this how is should be or should I try to find softer bits (I dug 3 roots and they have all been the same)?
thanks for any advice
I thought you'd want planting advice... when I saw the thread, to which my advice would be.... DON'T... ;D
I rarely use mine so I'll look out for sensible replies gwynleg
Morning, sounds about right most of ours are about the thickness of a carrot,but then a little goes along way,love the scent!
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1088/
I found this interesting.
I planted a horseradish root about 2 years ago, and the only way it seems to spread is slowly sideways, by gradually adding more bulk/extra roots. I know it is considered an annoying allotment pest, but am a little baffled how it manages to jump around without underground rhizomes or seeds?
I have certainly seen allotments covered in the stuff (mine came from one), but I assumed allotment holder had smashed it into little bits with rotavator or spade, and accidentally raked it all over.
In my case, the allotment holder was telling me how he bought horseradish roots in supermarket to make freshly grated sauce - I could only point wordlessly at the knee high leaves he was standing among.
How do you make fresh horseradish sauce?
How do you make fresh horseradish sauce?
Grate/process the root,and a little white wine vinegar,some mustard powder, some cream and a touch of sugar.
Blend together and leave it a few hours to infuse in the fridge.
When you set the roast beef to rest take it out and rub through a sieve
Only plant it in a large pot, never in the open ground as it is one of the worst thugs and very difficult to get rid of. Even glycosate has little effect!! It spreads like wildfire through underground roots.
All I can say is that wildfire is an immense exaggeration. It slowly bulks up sideways.
I believe what you say about glycosate......these roots survive all sorts of attacks.
I have yet to see underground roots, so far.
If you want to encourage side roots that are succulent and tender, and ideal for use in horseradish sauce, then cut the tap root across, and leave all the plant in the ground - the plant will put out side roots. The side roots will grow well in good soft soil. These are fine to use when they are about as thick as a man's finger.
As others have said, DON'T plant it in open ground, it grows fine in dustbins for home use.
Thanks v much for all this advice - just got back to it - think I will try a) to harvest a bit later on, and b) to cut the tap root and go back to it.
I dont have to plant it - its all over the place!
Quote from: artichoke on October 09, 2010, 20:22:13
All I can say is that wildfire is an immense exaggeration. It slowly bulks up sideways.
You must be lucky with your strain. I tried it one year, and had serious problems getting it back under control. Never again!
I'm curious, Robert, how does it spread? Does it really send out underground roots that pop up like raspberries, or couch grass? I have put mine in a nasty nettly brambly corner in case it spreads, but as I say, it just sits there slowly bulking up. so far.
Oh artichoke, remove it,do! Now, without delay, really. get up every bit.
Horseradish roots can roam literally yards from the parent plant. I can't recall the scientific name for the process, but what happens is that if the tap root is damaged in any way, it sends out side roots and they in turn will establish a plant, which will send out side shoots of damaged and so on. Apart from cutting them deliberately, accidental cutting when harvesting will have the same effect, as will damage by creatures in the ground.
After at least ten years on this site, I have not managed to eradicate horseradish. A couple of thongs were planted, in my ignorance. It was the worst thing I ever did. They are now coming up about 15 yards from the original spot. I garden on heavy clay over a stony subsoil.
I have tried many weedkillers, I have a pesticide licence and can buy decent stuff, although I don't like to use it in everday situations.
I have dug down over 3 feet now in an attempt to remove some roots. I failed, they went deeper. Try digging through stony heavy London clay at that depth, it's no joke.
You refer to a patch of brambles - they are trivial compared to horseradish.
I will say to you that if the roots of brambles are like an earthworm, then the roots of horseradish are like the Sandworm of Dune .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandworm_(Dune).
I suggest you read the part in this link labelled Sandworm Physiology. ;D
Oh dear, what a heart felt aria! I am now even more glad that I have planted it in a dark sluggy corner next to the hedge/brambles/nettles/elder etc, so if it does spread in the way so graphically described, I can laugh at it - or strim it.
I understand the problem now, and will keep a sharp eye on it.......
It sent out side roots which ran for miles, so within a year it was coming up six feet from the original planting.
I never planted mine in ground..it was planted in large tub and it still got away..through bottom drainage holes..and I never managed to get rid of it.. ::)
I am able to keep it under control..sort of...but it still comes up no matter how much I try to remove it.
Luckily horseradish does not suppress other plants...it is just annoying that it keeps coming up where it is not wanted.. ::)
is this how is should be or should I try to find softer bits
Normally you would dig young roots up while still dormant (winter), plant them in container/bed grow/fatten them up over following growing season and come dormant time again dig them up..they should be firm but not woody. I've used some woody ones though..but then you are only able to use the outer layers of the root..the bit more 'fleshy' part.