Horseradish - Armoracia rusticana

Although much of our nursery focuses on subtropical species, we do like to experiment with more northern plants that can be grown successfully in central Florida as well, and a newer one to us is horseradish. 

Originally native to southern Europe and west Asia but grown nearly worldwide as a spice or herb, horseradish is a brassica family plant reasonably well adapted to Florida growing conditions if provided with consistently moist, organically rich soil and a bit of dappled shade, ours have excelled in large containers and raised beds in part shade, a small planting would made adequate roots for a household or community garden. An aggressive grower in more northern latitudes, growth is slightly tempered by our subtropical climate. Strappy leaves (which are edible but very spicy, like arugula cranked up to 11) may grow close to 3ft long, are present most of the year here due to lack of winter dormancy. After a year or two of growth, the main root can be dug up and grated to release the intense pungency horseradish is famous for. The grated roots can be frozen or pickled to preserve for use (our preferred use is a small amount of pickled horseradish with a few drops of homemade lactofermented hot sauce on a freshly shucked raw oyster, yum!).

Post harvest, larger roots can be sectioned into pieces and use to propagate more plants for the following years. 

We're also experimenting with utilizing horseradish as a potential root knot nematode deterrent when planted around sensitive species like figs, mulberry and guava by underplanting them and occasionally chopping roots to release glucosinolate chemicals (the pungent chemicals found in all brassicas) into the soil which has nematocidal properties.