Harvesting Horseradish Plants
Are you ready to enjoy delicious homegrown vegetables? Harvest is the time to enjoy the results of your hard work. Keep a few things in consideration as you reap the benefits of your labor: the best time to harvest your plants, and how to store your vegetables.
NOTE: This is part 11 in a series of 11 articles. For a complete background on how to grow horseradish plants, we recommend starting from the beginning.
When to Harvest
Horseradish needs about a year to produce a crop and the crown should be at least 1-inch in diameter before you harvest. You can harvest in late fall when the leaves have been killed by frost or early spring as the crown is just starting to show a bit of green growth.
After digging cut off the crown and any side roots and replant in the same spot, adding some compost to the hole. Wash off the horseradish root and allow it to dry.
Storage
Store loosely in plastic bags in the refrigerator. Horseradish will keep up to 10-12 months at 30 to 32 F and humidity of 90-95%. If exposed to light the roots can become green, if possible keep them in the dark.