Horseradish Crowns

Fresh horseradish is the best for cooking

1 product

Horseradish Crowns - Grow Organic

Horseradish Crowns: A Flavorful Addition to Your Garden

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a versatile and pungent herbaceous perennial plant known for its spicy roots, which are commonly used as a condiment in various culinary dishes. Horseradish crowns, the root sections used for propagation, allow gardeners to cultivate this flavorful plant in their gardens. Here, we will explore the world of horseradish crowns, from their characteristics and cultivation to their culinary uses and health benefits.

Characteristics of Horseradish Crowns

Horseradish crowns are the starting point for growing this robust plant. They typically consist of a section of the root, and they possess certain key characteristics that make them an excellent choice for gardeners:

  1. Vigorous Growth: Horseradish is a hardy and vigorous plant known for its ability to thrive in various soil types and climates. It can be a resilient addition to your garden.

  2. Distinctive Flavor: The roots of the horseradish plant are renowned for their pungent and spicy flavor. When grated or processed, they release volatile compounds that give horseradish its signature heat and aroma.

  3. Perennial Nature: Once established, horseradish plants are perennials, which means they can continue to produce roots for many years. This longevity makes them a sustainable choice for gardeners.

Cultivation of Horseradish Crowns

Growing horseradish from crowns is relatively straightforward, making it an accessible option for both novice and experienced gardeners:

  1. Soil Preparation: Horseradish thrives in well-drained, loamy soil. Ensure your garden bed is free from rocks and weeds before planting.

  2. Planting Depth: Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the horseradish crown, leaving a few inches of space above it. Place the crown horizontally with the cut side facing down.

  3. Spacing: Space the crowns at least 24 inches apart to allow for adequate growth and development.

  4. Sunlight: Horseradish plants prefer full sun, so choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

  5. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the initial stages of growth. Horseradish requires regular watering to establish its root system.

  6. Maintenance: Maintain the garden bed by removing weeds and providing occasional fertilizer to support healthy growth.

Culinary Uses of Horseradish

Horseradish is not just easy to grow; it also offers a wide range of culinary possibilities due to its distinctive flavor. Here are some popular uses for horseradish in the kitchen:

  1. Condiment: The most well-known use of horseradish is as a condiment. Grated horseradish root can be mixed with vinegar and salt to create a flavorful sauce or spread for sandwiches, roast beef, and seafood.

  2. Ingredient: Horseradish can be incorporated into various recipes, adding a spicy kick to dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, and dips.

  3. Preservation: You can preserve horseradish by pickling it or making horseradish sauce. These methods allow you to enjoy the flavor year-round.

Health Benefits of Horseradish

Beyond its culinary appeal, horseradish also offers several potential health benefits*:

  1. Digestive Aid: Horseradish has been traditionally used to aid digestion and alleviate symptoms of indigestion.

  2. Immune System Support: It contains vitamin C and other antioxidants that can help support a healthy immune system.

  3. Antibacterial Properties: The compounds in horseradish have antibacterial properties that may help combat certain types of infections.

Horseradish crowns are a valuable addition to any garden, offering a spicy and versatile herbaceous perennial with distinctive culinary and potential health benefits. With proper care and cultivation, you can enjoy the pungent flavor of horseradish for years to come, adding a unique twist to your culinary creations. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a beginner, consider planting horseradish crowns for a flavorful and rewarding gardening experience.

Enjoy our recent feature, How to Grow Horseradish: A Growing Guide.

* Not medical advice. See a physician for details.

FAQs: Annie's Perennials

What are perennial plants?

Perennial plants live for more than two growing seasons. If properly cared for, they will return year after year with consistent bloom times to add color and diversity to your garden.

What is the difference between annuals and perennials?

The key difference between annuals and perennials is their lifespan. Annuals live for one growing season, although some of our annual plants do re-seed, thereby prolonging their benefits past a single season. Perennial plants and perennial flowers persist for several years, returning year after year, every growing season. Another difference is that true annuals will bloom throughout the entire season; whereas, perennials may bloom intermittently during or between seasons.

What are the benefits of growing perennials?

Perennial plants and flowers provide lasting beauty and structure to your garden. They have specific seasonal bloom times that remain consistent year after year, ensuring vibrant color for your garden throughout the seasons. Perennials also contribute to biodiversity and help the overall environment. Their deep root systems help prevent soil erosion and retain nutrients, while also sequestering carbon. Planting lots of different perennials with varied bloom times ensures consistent, reliable food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial wildlife.

When should I buy perennials to plant?

The ideal time to plant perennials is spring or early fall. This allows them to establish their root system before extreme weather.

How do I care for perennial plants?

In general, Perennials need watering, occasional fertilization, and deadheading to encourage repeat blooming. The specific care needs can vary by type. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer many native and low water, low-maintenance perennials to make planting and caring for them easy. We want to make gardening success attainable for everyone.

Can you plant perennials in pots or containers?

Yes! We have hundreds of perennial plants that work well in containers as well as in garden beds. Just make sure your pot size is adequate for the root system of your particular plant.

Do perennials require full sun?

Some perennials prefer full sun, which typically means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Other varieties require full or partial shade. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer you many options for both shade and sun plants to fit every gardening need.

Do perennials attract pollinators and wildlife?

Yes! Perennials, with their reliable bloom times, are valuable additions to a pollinator-friendly garden. They provide consistent food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other beneficial wildlife. Planting many different perennials with varied bloom times will attract and feed pollinators throughout all of the seasons.

What are some popular perennial flowers?

Some common perennials include <strong>Yarrow</strong> (Achillea millefolium), </strong>African daisies</strong> (Arctotis) </strong>Butterfly Bush</strong> (Buddleja davidii), <strong>Campanula, Dahlia, Delphiniums, Peonies (Paeonia), Roses (Rosa), Irises, and Coneflowers</strong> (Echinacea). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost hundreds and hundreds of popular perennials – like the ones previously mentioned, along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we also offer many more perennials that are quite unusual and hard to find

What are hardy perennials?

Hardy perennials are perennial plants that grow for multiple seasons and can survive very cold weather in their growing zones. For this reason, hardy perennial plants are the perfect plant selection for any garden.

Do perennials come back every year?

Yes, if planted and cared for properly, perennials will return year after year. At Annie’s, we offer hundreds of perennials that are perfect beginner plants– easy to grow and easy to care for - so everyone can garden successfully.

What are different types of perennials?

Flowering Perennials: Are known for vibrant, consistent and long-lasting blooms. Examples include peonies (Paenonia), roses (Rosa), coneflowers (Echinaea), Abutilon, Alstroemeria, african daisy (Arctotis), foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), carnations (dianthus), geraniums, sages (Salvia), Strawflowers (helichrysum bracteatum), hollyhocks and impatiens, among many others.

Foliage Perennials: Are known for their striking, colorful foliage. Hostas, heucheras, and ornamental grasses are some common varieties.

Shade-Loving Perennials: Thrive in low-light or partial shade conditions. Examples include astilbes, ferns, and bleeding hearts (dicentras). Some of our favorite shade perennials at Annie’s are Begonias, Fuchsias, Sedges, Hellebores, Heucheras, and Impatiens.

Sun-loving perennials: Thrive in full sun conditions (meaning full sun for at least 6 hours per day). Some common examples of sun-loving perennials are lavender (Lavandula), sage (Salvia), African daisy (Arctotis), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost one thousand sun-loving perennials – like the ones previously mentioned along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

Herbaceous Perennials: These are perennial plants that die back to the ground each Fall or Winter, but whose roots remain alive and send up new growth and reemerge in the Spring or Summer. They include a variety of flowers and foliage, like columbines (Aquilegia), delphiniums, foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), and Iris.

Woody Perennials: These are shrubs and small trees that persist for many years, bringing useful structure and seasonal blooms to your garden. Examples include hydrangeas, California lilac (Ceanothus), fuchsias, and butterfly bushes (Buddleja).

Native Perennials: are well-suited to specific regions and often need less maintenance and human intervention. California native plant species might include yarrow (Achillea), California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), milkweed (Asclepias), monkey flowers (Mimulus), and some sages (Salvias), depending on your location. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer one of the largest selections of CA native perennials to be found anywhere.

Long-Blooming Perennials: Have extended blooming periods and can include varieties like Alstroemeria, Abutilon (Flowering Maples), African daisies (Actotis), Agastache, coreopsis, yarrow (Achillea), and sages (Salvias).

Drought-Tolerant Perennials: Can withstand periods of dry conditions and need less watering. Examples include lavender (Lavandula), yarrow (Achillea), sedum (stonecrop), Agastache, Aloe, milkweed (Asclepias), and some sages (Salvias).

Deer-resistant Perennials: Have characteristics that make them less appealing to deer. Options include yarrow (Achillea), lambs' ears (Stachys byzantine), Agastache, and some ornamental sages (Salvia).

Perennial Bulbs: Some perennials grow from bulbs, including favorites like tulips, daffodils, freesias, ranunculus, and irises. They return year after year, adding color to your garden each spring.

Climbing Perennials: Perennial vines like clematis and wisteria add vertical interest to your garden, climbing trellises, arbors, and fences.