The root of this vegetable is delicious when grated and used to flavour savoury dishes. It's easy to grow and has a distinctive taste, but care should be taken when preparing horseradish as the pungent fumes can cause irritation to the eyes. Great stuff for clearing the sinuses!
How to care for Armoracia rusticana Horseradish:
Best planted in early spring into 15cm deep holes which are spaced at 60cm intervals. To stop it getting out of hand (it can become invasive), you should lift all the plants in October after the first frost. You can store the roots in sand, using the larger ones in the kitchen, and replanting the smaller ones the following spring. Alternatively you can grow it in a deep container filled with John Innes No 2 compost.
Eventual height:
0.6m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil