How to grow horseradish in a raised bed

Horseradish is the fiery root behind a proper roast-beef sauce — a tough, leafy perennial that grows with abandon. Grow it in a raised bed (or a pot) to keep its wandering roots from taking over.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: one plant per 40–50 cm
• Tub depth: our 41 cm depth
• Time to harvest: one full season

When to plant: Plant root cuttings in late winter to spring. It's a hardy perennial that returns from any root fragment left in the soil — which is exactly why a contained raised bed suits it. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing it in a raised bed: Plant root pieces into deep, loose mix and let the big leaves grow. It's almost impossible to kill; the challenge is containing it, so lift it fully each year if you don't want it spreading.

Watering and feeding: Water through the growing season for fatter roots; otherwise very low-maintenance.

Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

Common diseases: the main ones are leaf spot. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

Companion plants: Give it a bed or large pot of its own to stop the roots wandering. See our companion planting guide.

Harvest and storage: Dig the roots from autumn through winter, when the flavour is strongest. Grate fresh for sauce — the heat fades fast once cut, so use it quickly.

More growing guides: radishes, daikon and Florence fennel.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.