Horseradish is a hardy perennial plant of the family Brassicaceae. It has been popular for thousands of years across the globe for medicinal purposes and as a condiment. The plant contains numerous compounds that can provide potential health benefits, including anticancer and antibacterial effects.
The Benefits of Growing the Horseradish Plant in Your Garden
Nothing feels better that getting your fresh horseradish straight from the garden. Horseradish root is harvested from the plant in late summer and early autumn when leaves are about 12 inches long. The root is then ground into a powder with various spices, such as peppercorns or mustard seeds.
The powder is then mixed with vinegar to make horseradish sauce or prepared fresh in salads or as a side dish or condiment with meats and cheeses. This herb has been used throughout history to help relieve stomach distress due to its intense flavor and ability to break up food in the stomach.
The root of horseradish contains a variety of compounds that have the potential to fight cancer.
Horseradish has been used as a medicinal herb to promote digestion and prevent nausea for thousands of years.
The root contains a compound called glucosinolates that have been shown to reduce oxidative stress in the body by increasing antioxidant enzymes while reducing inflammation. In addition, the glucosinolates in horseradish are also able to target and kill cancer cells.
How to Grow Horseradish
Water moderately during this time as well as after emergence when they are establishing roots. Horseradish plants are slow-growing and will take at least 3 years to reach maturity before roots can be harvested from them.
Horseradish can grow in a variety of conditions and is simple to cultivate. It is a perennial plant that grows in the shade and prefers well-drained soil. The plant is easy to grow, only requiring full sun and fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. You can start your plants from seeds available at most local garden stores. Plant your seeds in the spring or early summer in full sun with plenty of water and fertilizer if you are growing from seed. Your horseradish plants will begin to bloom in a few months.
When you are ready to harvest your horseradish, cut the top off of each plant and then dig up the roots from around the base of the plant. You will also want to dry out all of your roots before storing them for later use because they may rot when stored wet or moist.
Good Horseradish Companion Plants
Companion planting with horseradish can be beneficial to the plant’s health and growth. Horseradish can be grown in a container as well as in the garden, and it is also easy to grow from seed. Many plants can be planted with horseradish to help keep pests away from your plants and provide nutrients, light, and shade for your horseradish plant. Some of these companion plants for horseradish include:
- Asparagus
- Grapes
- Fruit Trees
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Rhubarb
- Sweet Potatoes
- Strawberries
- Asparagus
Asparagus is an excellent companion plant for horseradish. Asparagus is a low-growing perennial that does well in full sun and has a shallow root system. Asparagus will help prevent the horseradish from being eaten by bugs, which can be a problem for some varieties of horseradish.
Fruit Trees
Fruit trees are excellent companions to horseradish. The root of horseradish is said to deter pests, birds, and other small rodents, like field mice and mole, from eating up your fruits. On the other hand, fruit trees can provide shade and nutrients to the plant.
Fruit trees are also easy to grow and maintain, so choosing them as a companion for horseradish makes perfect sense.
Some of the best fruit trees for horseradish include apple, pear, plum, grapes, apricot, mulberry, and cherry.
Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes are great companion plants for horseradish because it increase disease resistance in the potato patch. . Horseradish can repel a plethora of insects that can harm your potato plants, such as potato bugs or potato beetles.
Related Article: When to Harvest Potatoes
Strawberries
This fruit is widely loved for its characteristic aroma, juicy texture, bright red color, and sweetness. However, it can be susceptible to attack by various pests and insects. Growing them alongside horseradish can help keep these pesky pests at bay.