Top 20 Varieties of Horseradish to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts

Horseradish is a perennial root vegetable known for its pungent, spicy flavor. It’s often used as a condiment in sauces, dressings, and spreads, providing a zesty kick to meals. Horseradish is easy to grow, thriving in various climates and requiring minimal care. Both the leaves and roots are edible, although the roots are most commonly harvested and used. Growing your own horseradish allows you to enjoy its fresh, powerful flavor straight from the garden. Here’s your guide to the top 20 horseradish varieties to grow, with helpful tips, interesting facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Horseradish Varieties to Grow

1. Common Horseradish

Tips: Common horseradish grows best in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to promote root growth.
Facts: This is the most widely grown horseradish variety, known for its large, pungent roots. It matures in about one year and is perfect for making sauces, condiments, and dips.

2. Bohemian Horseradish

Tips: Bohemian horseradish thrives in full sun with moist, fertile soil. Water regularly to ensure large, tender roots.
Facts: This variety produces slightly milder roots with a smoother texture compared to common horseradish. It’s great for fresh use or making sauces.

3. Maliner Kren

Tips: Maliner Kren grows best in full sun with well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the roots tender and flavorful.
Facts: This Eastern European variety is known for its strong flavor and large, thick roots. It’s ideal for making traditional horseradish condiments or preserving.

4. Big Top Western

Tips: Big Top Western thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to encourage large root growth.
Facts: This variety produces extra-large roots with a pungent, spicy flavor. It’s perfect for commercial cultivation or home gardeners looking for a large yield.

5. Swiss Horseradish

Tips: Swiss horseradish prefers full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently to prevent the roots from becoming too tough.
Facts: Known for its mild yet zesty flavor, Swiss horseradish produces medium-sized roots that are perfect for fresh eating or preserving in vinegar-based sauces.

6. Variegata

Tips: Variegata grows well in full sun and fertile soil. Water regularly to promote tender root growth.
Facts: This ornamental variety features variegated leaves and produces mildly pungent roots. It’s great for both edible and decorative purposes in the garden.

7. Sass

Tips: Sass thrives in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil. Water consistently to ensure large, tender roots.
Facts: This variety is known for its extra-hot flavor, making it perfect for those who enjoy a strong, spicy kick in sauces or condiments.

8. Tetskas

Tips: Tetskas grows best in full sun and rich, moist soil. Water regularly to promote even root growth.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces thick, white roots with a strong, sharp flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating or making traditional horseradish sauce.

9. Red Russian

Tips: Red Russian prefers full sun with well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the roots tender and spicy.
Facts: This unique variety produces reddish-tinted roots with a sharp, pungent flavor. It’s great for adding a twist to traditional horseradish recipes.

10. Heinrich Horseradish

Tips: Heinrich horseradish thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to ensure the roots remain tender.
Facts: Known for its strong, spicy flavor and thick roots, Heinrich is ideal for making fresh horseradish sauce or grating into dishes for added zest.

11. German Giant

Tips: German Giant grows well in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly to promote large root development.
Facts: This variety produces large, thick roots with a powerful flavor. It’s perfect for home gardeners looking to make homemade sauces or preserves.

12. Wild Horseradish

Tips: Wild horseradish grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to encourage robust root growth.
Facts: This variety is more commonly found in the wild and produces smaller roots with a potent, spicy flavor. It’s great for foraging or cultivating in a garden for a natural flavor.

13. Armoracia Rusticana

Tips: Armoracia Rusticana thrives in full sun with fertile, moist soil. Water consistently to ensure large, tender roots.
Facts: This is the scientific name for common horseradish and is known for its strong flavor and large roots. It’s ideal for fresh eating, cooking, or preserving.

14. East European Horseradish

Tips: East European horseradish prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the roots tender and flavorful.
Facts: This variety produces thick, white roots with a sharp, pungent flavor. It’s great for making traditional Eastern European condiments.

15. Volcanic Fire

Tips: Volcanic Fire grows well in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly to promote strong root growth.
Facts: This variety produces hot, spicy roots with a sharp flavor. It’s perfect for those who enjoy extra-spicy horseradish sauces and condiments.

16. Alpine Horseradish

Tips: Alpine horseradish thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently to ensure tender roots.
Facts: This cold-hardy variety produces medium-sized roots with a mild, zesty flavor. It’s great for fresh use, sauces, or pickling.

17. Hot Lava

Tips: Hot Lava grows best in full sun with well-drained soil. Water consistently to prevent the roots from becoming tough.
Facts: Known for its fiery heat, Hot Lava produces thick roots with an intense, spicy flavor. It’s perfect for making hot horseradish condiments.

18. Polish Red

Tips: Polish Red prefers full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to encourage large root growth.
Facts: This variety produces reddish-brown roots with a sharp, pungent flavor. It’s perfect for making traditional Polish horseradish sauces and preserves.

19. Firecracker

Tips: Firecracker thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently to promote strong root development.
Facts: This variety is known for its extra-spicy roots and strong flavor, making it ideal for those who love a hot kick in their horseradish sauces.

20. Great White

Tips: Great White grows best in full sun and rich, moist soil. Water regularly to ensure large, tender roots.
Facts: This variety produces thick, white roots with a strong, pungent flavor. It’s great for making sauces, dips, or grating fresh into dishes.

Common Questions About Growing Horseradish

Q: When should I plant horseradish?
A: Horseradish is best planted in early spring or fall. It grows well in cooler temperatures and can be harvested in late fall to early winter, after the first frost, for the best flavor.

Q: Can I grow horseradish in containers?
A: Yes, horseradish can be grown in containers as long as the pots are at least 18 inches deep to allow for root development. Use a rich, well-drained potting mix and water consistently.

Q: How long does horseradish take to grow?
A: Horseradish typically takes one year to mature. The roots are usually harvested in the fall of the plant’s first year or in early spring of the second year for the best flavor.

Q: How do I know when horseradish is ready to harvest?
A: Horseradish is ready to harvest when the roots are thick and firm, usually after the first frost in fall. Dig up the plant and cut away the larger roots for use, leaving some smaller roots to regrow.

Q: How do I store harvested horseradish?
A: Freshly harvested horseradish roots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months. You can also grate the roots and preserve them in vinegar for long-term storage.