Top 20 Varieties of Horseradish to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts
Horseradish is a powerful, easy-to-grow perennial that delivers intense flavour straight from the garden. Once planted, it’s incredibly hardy, low maintenance, and productive—making it ideal for UK gardens and allotments. While horseradish is often grown from unnamed roots, there are recognised varieties and strains, each with slightly different strengths, heat levels, and growth habits.
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This guide covers the top 20 horseradish varieties to grow, along with expert tips, growing advice, and essential facts to help you choose the right type for your space.
⭐ Recommended Products for Growing Horseradish
• Horseradish Crowns or Root Cuttings
Always start with healthy, disease-free roots for best results.
👉 Click to view horseradish roots and crowns on Amazon
• Deep Pots or Root Barriers
Essential to control spreading roots and prevent invasiveness.
👉 Click to view deep pots and root barriers on Amazon
• Multi-Purpose or Vegetable Compost
Provides nutrients and structure for strong root development.
👉 Click to view compost on Amazon
• Sharp Spade or Garden Fork
Needed for planting and harvesting thick roots cleanly.
👉 Click to view spades and forks on Amazon
• Gloves & Eye Protection
Horseradish vapours can irritate eyes and skin during harvesting.
👉 Click to view gardening gloves and safety gear on Amazon
Before You Choose: Important Horseradish Facts
- Horseradish is very vigorous and can become invasive
- Best grown in containers or isolated beds
- Flavour strength depends on variety, soil, and harvest timing
- Heat develops when roots are grated or crushed
Choose varieties carefully—and always control spread.
Top 20 Varieties of Horseradish to Grow
1. Common Horseradish
The most widely grown type with strong heat and large roots.
2. Bohemian Horseradish
Milder flavour with smoother, more uniform roots.
3. Maliner Kren
Popular in Central Europe; strong, clean heat.
4. Bavarian Horseradish
Very pungent with thick, straight roots.
5. Big Top Western
High-yielding variety with excellent root size.
6. Improved Bohemian
More refined version of Bohemian with better uniformity.
7. Hungarian Horseradish
Strong flavour, cold-hardy, excellent for UK winters.
8. Danish Horseradish
Balanced heat, good for culinary use.
9. German Horseradish
Classic intense flavour, ideal for sauces.
10. Polish Horseradish
Extremely pungent, traditional variety for preservation.
11. Moravian Horseradish
Smooth roots, strong aroma, reliable growth.
12. Swiss Horseradish
Medium heat, good for fresh eating.
13. Austrian Horseradish
Long roots, high oil content for strong flavour.
14. Russian Horseradish
Very hardy and aggressive grower—container recommended.
15. English Garden Horseradish
Traditional UK strain with consistent flavour.
16. Lettish Horseradish
Sharp heat, excellent for pickling.
17. Nordic Horseradish
Cold-tolerant with firm roots.
18. French Horseradish
Slightly milder, aromatic flavour.
19. Czech Horseradish
Strong roots with high yield potential.
20. Heritage White Horseradish
Old-fashioned strain grown for intense heat and storage.
Best Horseradish Varieties for UK Gardens
For most UK growers, the best choices are:
- Common Horseradish
- Bohemian / Improved Bohemian
- English Garden Horseradish
- Bavarian Horseradish
These combine strong flavour, reliability, and cold tolerance.
When to Plant Horseradish in the UK
- Best time: March–April
- Can also be planted in autumn in mild areas
- Soil should be workable and not waterlogged
Horseradish grows best when planted early and left undisturbed.
How to Plant Horseradish Properly
- Plant root cuttings at a slight angle
- Cover with 5–10cm of soil
- Space 60cm apart (or one per container)
Always label plants—roots look similar to weeds later in the year.
Container vs Ground Growing (Important!)
Container Growing (Recommended)
- Controls spread
- Easier harvesting
- Ideal for small gardens
Ground Growing
- Only suitable if space allows
- Can spread aggressively
- Difficult to remove completely
Never plant horseradish casually—it’s permanent.
Feeding and Watering Tips
- Water regularly during dry spells
- Avoid excessive nitrogen (causes leafy growth)
- Compost at planting is usually sufficient
Poor soil = weaker flavour.
When to Harvest Horseradish
- Harvest from late autumn to winter
- Flavour strongest after frost
- Lift roots carefully with a fork
Use roots immediately for best heat.
How Heat Develops in Horseradish
Horseradish heat is released when:
- Roots are cut or grated
- Cell walls break and enzymes activate
Freshly grated horseradish is far hotter than shop-bought versions.
Common Growing Mistakes
- Planting in open ground without barriers
- Harvesting too early
- Overfeeding
- Allowing roots to fragment in soil
Each small root piece can regrow.
Is Horseradish Easy to Grow?
Yes—almost too easy.
Pros:
- Hardy
- Pest-resistant
- Long-lived
- High-yield
Cons:
- Spreads aggressively
- Difficult to remove
With control, it’s an excellent crop.
Final Thoughts
Horseradish is a bold, rewarding crop for gardeners who enjoy strong flavours and low-maintenance plants. While it doesn’t require much care, variety choice and containment are crucial. By selecting one of these top 20 horseradish varieties and growing it responsibly, you’ll enjoy fresh, fiery roots year after year.
Once established, horseradish earns its place as one of the most powerful—and permanent—plants in the garden.