When to Plant Horseradish in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Sow April and August to October. Right now in September you can sow.

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

This Horseradish guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne 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.

Planting Calendar for Subtropical

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

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 20.4°C (optimal range: 10–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant

That figure is read off my own weather station here at Dayboro in South East Queensland at 18:55 yesterday, not a model. The radar, the rain gauge and the forecasts behind it sit on Dayboro.au.

How to Grow Horseradish in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

Marginal in subtropical zones. Plant in autumn, hoping for sufficient cool nights to develop root pungency. Harvest in late winter/early spring before heat arrives.

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)

Subtropical Growing Tips for Horseradish

Recommended Varieties

  • Common Horseradish

Key Challenges

  • Insufficient cold for best root quality
  • May become invasive weed in warm conditions
  • Root pungency may be mild

Pro Tips

  • Grow in a large pot (40L+) in the coolest part of the garden
  • Provide maximum cold exposure in winter. Do not mulch heavily
  • Harvest immediately at the end of winter when roots are coldest and most pungent

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 Subtropical Zones

Fungal Pathogens, risk: HIGH (score: 75/100)

Organic prevention: Horseradish is so vigorous that pest damage is rarely significant. Focus control efforts on neighbouring brassica crops instead.

View all pest alerts →

Where to next

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, 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:

Does horseradish grow all year round in Brisbane?

No. In the Subtropical zone the planting months are Apr, Aug to Oct. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

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 Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.