Overview

Cochlearia armoracia is a perennial in the genus Cochlearia, part of the Brassicaceae family. Cochlearia armoracia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and loamy soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include culinary and medicinal. It is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia.

About

Cochlearia armoracia is a perennial in the Brassicaceae grown for its pungent, spicy root used in cooking and traditional remedies. It prefers full sun or partial shade on moist, well-drained loamy soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. Rated H5, it is classed as hardy for UK conditions and favours a sheltered aspect. It flowers from April to June.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Horseradish

About the genus

Horseradish is a perennial plant of the family Brassicaceae. It is a root vegetable, cultivated and used worldwide as a spice and as a condiment.

In the garden

Cochlearia armoracia originates from eastern Europe and western Asia and sits in the mustard family, where its culinary and medicinal uses have been established for centuries. In the UK it is grown primarily for the strong, pungent flavour of the root, and it will set flowers in the spring, typically between April and June. Choose a site with full sun or light shade and a moist, well-drained loamy soil with neutral to alkaline pH. The plant prefers a sheltered aspect and, with an H5 hardiness rating, will survive normal UK winters in most gardens. Avoid heavy, waterlogged ground; firm, friable loam allows roots to develop without standing water. Planting beside a kitchen border or vegetable bed keeps the root close to hand for culinary use and traditional remedies. Leave a bit of space to access the crown when harvesting; the plant's value is its pungent, spicy root rather than ornamental display. Cochlearia armoracia is grown specifically for that root and its distinctive aroma in the kitchen.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cochlearia

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained, loamy

Soil pH

neutral, alkaline

Soil moisture

moist

Exposure

sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Cochlearia armoracia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Suggested uses

culinary, medicinal

Native to

Eastern Europe, Western Asia

Fragrance

pungent, spicy

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cochlearia armoracia

Cultivation

Plant in spring or autumn in fertile, well-drained soil. Keep soil moist. Remove flower stems to encourage root growth.

Pruning

Remove flower stems to prevent seed formation and encourage root development.

Propagation

root cuttings

Frequently asked questions