A question about horseradish
 

Hi. :) Ive been growing horseradishes for 4 years and its one of my favorite plants to grow. I know a lot about it except this. The leaves needa die back on the plant before I dig up the root and I try to wait. But last winter was too warm and the leaves didnt die back till almost February.
My question - Will it hurt the plant to dig it up before all the leaves die back?
Will the root still have a strong flavor?
Will it affect how many new starters I get on the root?

Thanks for any information about this.

Re: A question about horseradish
 

I am also interested in anybody's advice/experience for horse radish. I received some rootstock 18-odd months ago and have had a great development of leaves both last summer and this year. I've heard I'm not supposed to pull any until it's at least 2 years old, but like Kevin I don't know what time of year or what prep needs to be done.

Thanks in advance.

Re: A question about horseradish
 

From what I've heard you can harvest roots in any month that ends in 'R.' I've never heard anything about worrying about leaves dying back or anything like that. Just dig up the root, cut off any leaves and the top where the leaves sprout from. Replant the top root/base of leaves portion to essentially repopulate the patch for future years.

Re: A question about horseradish
 

I managed to kill my 30 starts while trying to move and arrange surgery. You can harvest then replant any time I've been told but it takes a chill to develop real heat. Still will be more potent than supermarket jarred stuff.

Re: A question about horseradish
 

Thanks for heads up. :) I heard about leaves dying back in Omsk Russia and that even worked for 2 years here. But winter is shorter and now its warmer in the US and the leaves arent dying back. Its very important for leaves to die back to get the most heat and the most flavor. But I didnt know how that would affect the next crop until now.Obviously it doesnt do any damage.

Oh and thanks about "replant the tops". I always tossed the tops and just replanted the smaller roots that grow on the main root. I always have lots more horseradishes the next year if I do that. Now I will try replanting the tops too.

The chill is very necessary but if you want heat then there are 2 important rules to remember.
1. Dormant roots have the most heat and the most flavor. If there are any leaves at the top or on the root then chop them off and put the root in a plastic storage bag and leave it in the fridge for 2 weeks. If you do that you will get more heat and flavor.

2. Wait longer to put the root in the vinegar. From the time you start chopping the root you have maybe 8 minutes to get it into the vinegar. You get more flavor if you put it in faster but you get more heat if you wait.

Re: A question about horseradish
 

I dig mine and keep it in the refrigerator in one of those "keep produce fresh" bags. They keep forever. Then I grind it one root at a time and use it like that.