When to Plant Horseradish in Melbourne, Cool Temperate Guide

Plant March to April and July to October. Right now in October you can plant.

Planting window
Grow from root cuttings or crowns, planted in autumn or late winter to spring; seed is rarely available. Dig roots once leaves die back...
Days to harvest
about 21 weeks
Sunlight
Full sun (6+ hours). Tolerates partial shade but root development is reduced.
Water needs
Moderate water needs. Water deeply once per week during active growth. Drought tolerant...
Spacing
40cm apart, 60cm between rows
Soil pH
6.0-7.5

Published · Last reviewed · By GardenBuddy.au
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Horseradish guide is written for the Cool Temperate zone, which takes in Melbourne, Hobart and Geelong. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Brisbane Sydney Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Horseradish

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Horseradish is a robust, hardy perennial grown for its pungent root. Once established, it is almost impossible to eradicate. A feature or a bug depending on your perspective. Best suited to temperate and cool climates where cold winters develop the best-flavoured roots. Extremely low maintenance but must be contained or it will take over the garden.

See what grows now in your own postcode

Best Planting Window for Cool Temperate

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - P P - - P P P P - -

P = Planting window

Grow from root cuttings or crowns, planted in autumn or late winter to spring; seed is rarely available. Dig roots once leaves die back from autumn through winter. Keep it contained, as it spreads.

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 14.9°C (optimal range: 10–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant

Modelled from Open-Meteo forecast (Melbourne), not a live sensor.

What this month normally looks like

In October the Cool Temperate zone normally runs 19°C by day and 8°C overnight, with about 67 mm of rain over 9 or 10 wet days. The coldest October night on record across the zone was -3.0°C, so a late frost is not out of the question. Averages 1991 to 2026, 28 postcodes, SILO.

How to Grow Horseradish in Cool Temperate Australia

When to Plant

Grow from root cuttings or crowns, planted in autumn or late winter to spring; seed is rarely available. Dig roots once leaves die back from autumn through winter. Keep it contained, as it spreads.

Soil
Deep, loose, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Best roots form in sandy loam or loam dug to at least 30cm depth. Tolerates a wide range of soils but heavy clay produces misshapen roots. Remove stones.
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Sunlight
Full sun (6+ hours). Tolerates partial shade but root development is reduced.
Spacing
40cm apart, 60cm between rows
Watering
Moderate water needs. Water deeply once per week during active growth. Drought tolerant once established but consistent moisture produces the best roots. Reduce watering in winter when dormant.

Companion plants: Potato, Fruit trees, Grape vines

Avoid planting near: Other brassicas (shares diseases)

Cool Temperate Growing Tips for Horseradish

Recommended Varieties

  • Common Horseradish
  • Bohemian

Key Challenges

  • Invasiveness, removing unwanted plants is very difficult
  • Every root fragment left in soil regrows

Pro Tips

  • Melbourne is prime horseradish territory. Cold winters develop maximum pungency
  • Harvest in late autumn/early winter for hottest roots
  • SERIOUSLY contain it. Concrete, paving, or large pots only

Harvesting Horseradish

When ready: Harvest after the first frosts of autumn/winter, or at least 16-24 weeks after planting. Roots should be at least 30cm long and 3-5cm diameter at the crown. Leaves may have died back partially in cold climates.

How to harvest: Dig deeply alongside the root with a garden fork. Roots can go 60cm+ deep. Lever out carefully. Any root fragment left in soil WILL regrow, so be thorough if you want to contain the plant. Snap off side roots for replanting or discard in bin (not compost).

Common Horseradish Pests in Cool Temperate Zones

Fungal Pathogens, risk: LOW (score: 37/100)

View all pest alerts →

Where to next

Also worth sowing in the cool temperate zone this October: Radish, Sweet Corn, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

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Common Questions About Horseradish

When do you plant horseradish in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Cool Temperate zone, Melbourne is its reference city.