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Horseradish cannot be propagated from seeds. However, the side roots can be transplanted to create a new horseradish plant. We'll show you how here.

Horseradish cannot be propagated from seed. Therefore it is propagated via side shoots

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) hardly forms seeds. Accordingly, propagation by sowing is out of the question for the sharp root. In the trade, too, only pre-grown young plants are usually available. If you already have a horseradish plant in your own garden, you don't have to keep buying new plants. The main root forms lateral roots - so-called "Fechser" or root cuttings. In this article, we tell you how you can propagate horseradish yourself - from the right approach to appropriate storage in winter and planting in spring.

Propagating horseradish via lateral roots

Horseradish, also called horseradish in southern Germany and Austria, can be harvested throughout the winter, from October to the end of January. Frost does not bother the spicy root. However, the main harvest time is in November. But it is even better to prune the foxes in the spring, between March and April. This has the advantage that the root cuttings can be planted again immediately. When harvesting, proceed by carefully lifting the horseradish roots out of the ground with a digging fork. However, caution is advised, as you should avoid damaging the main and lateral roots.

In addition to the main root, which is eaten, horseradish also develops lateral roots. These so-called foxes can be planted next year. New horseradish roots then grow from this. Cut the foxes diagonally from the main root. The lower end of the root cuttings is cut off at an angle, the upper end straight. This way you can tell the difference between the top and the bottom. Finally, the foxes are rubbed down from top to bottom. Only the bottom three centimeters remain untouched. Rubbing will remove all buds and lateral roots from the seedlings. If the foxes were cut in the spring and immediately planted again, it is important in June - ifthe leaves have grown about four inches long - dig up the roots again. Then remove all side roots from the young horseradish roots. Then they are put back into the ground. This is the only way to ensure that you can harvest smooth, straight and thick roots. In this way you can easily multiply horseradish yourself.

The foxes are ideally dug up in spring

Summary: How to Propagate Horseradish

  • Dig up horseradish in autumn or spring
  • Carefully lift out of the ground with a digging fork
  • Do not injure roots
  • Main root forms lateral roots (Fechser)
  • Cut the pincer at the lower end diagonally from the main root
  • Top end is just cut off
  • Rub the buds from top to bottom to remove buds and lateral roots
  • Do not rub the bottom 3 cm
  • The fencers can now be used as seedlings

See our special article for instructions on how to harvest and store horseradish.

Store horseradish lateral roots over winter

Until it's time to plant the fencers in the spring, they need proper winter storage. This works best in a cool, dark place, such as a basement. In a box with moist sand, the side roots survive the winter well. Alternatively, you can store it in so-called sand heaps in the garden, just like in the old days.

How to Store Lateral Roots for Propagating Horseradish

  • Store in a cool and dark place
  • In a box of wet sand
  • Or out in a sandpit

Plant horseradish roots

Horseradish is not suitable for cultivation in pots due to its deep-reaching roots. If the fences are brought into the ground, attention must be paid to the position and location. The former side root should be planted diagonally but in the direction of growth. If it is too horizontal, the taproot hardly increases in thickness. If it is too vertical, the energy goes almost exclusively into the growth of the above-ground parts of the plant.

Tip: There is a good tool for planting horseradish roots: the horseradish topper. This helps plant the fencers at the right angle.

In the spring, the side shoots are then planted and grow into new horseradish plants

Once the right angle is found, the root end should be about 15 centimeters instick to the earth. The head end of the fox is about five centimeters in the ground. The horseradish roots sprout after about four weeks. Incidentally, you can use the young, soft shoots in the spring as leafy vegetables. If the root is in the right position, the laborious and extraordinary propagation of horseradish plants will be worthwhile - and you can harvest plenty in autumn.

How to plant the horseradish roots in spring?

  • Planting time: March to April
  • Set the fencer diagonally but in the direction of growth
  • The root end is approx. 15 cm, the head end approx. 5 cm in the ground
  • Planting distance: 80 x 30 cm
  • Water well

We have summarized more about the cultivation of horseradish for you in our special article.

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Category:

Vegetables