Horseradish can spread in the garden if left unchecked for several years. This is because horseradish plants are perennial and can produce new shoots and roots over time.
If you have a horseradish plant that has been growing undisturbed for several years, it can start to spread and take up more space in your garden. The plant sends out underground runners called stolons, which can produce new shoots and roots at various points along their length. These new shoots can then grow into new horseradish plants, leading to a spread of the plant in your garden.
To control the spread of horseradish, it is important to regularly harvest the roots and keep the plant in check. Harvesting the roots not only allows you to enjoy the flavorful and pungent horseradish, but it also helps to prevent the plant from spreading further.
If you notice that your horseradish plant has started to spread, you can dig up sections of the plant and selectively harvest the newer, tender roots while disposing of the older, woody roots. This will help to keep the plant contained and prevent it from taking over your garden.
When disposing of the horseradish roots, it is important to be careful about how you do so. Horseradish roots can be quite hardy and can potentially repopulate if not disposed of properly. Avoid composting the roots, as they can easily take root in a compost pile and spread across your garden once again. Instead, it is recommended to dispose of the roots in a way that ensures they will not be able to regrow, such as discarding them in a sealed bag or burning them.
In my personal experience, I have had to deal with a horseradish plant that started to spread in my garden. I neglected to harvest the roots for a few years, and before I knew it, the plant had taken over a significant portion of my garden bed. I had to dig up sections of the plant, carefully harvesting the newer roots and disposing of the older ones. It was a bit of a tedious process, but it was necessary to prevent further spread and reclaim the space in my garden.
Horseradish can spread in the garden if left unchecked for several years. To control the spread, it is important to regularly harvest the roots and dispose of them properly to prevent regrowth. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of horseradish without allowing it to overtake your garden.