Armoracia Big Top Horseradish is a hardy, flavor-packed perennial that brings distinctive spice to the garden. Known for its hot, tangy taste, Big Top horseradish is ideal for making fresh condiments or adding a bold kick to dishes. This top-performing horseradish variety thrives in various growing conditions, boasting impressive size, natural resistance to common foliage issues, and reliable yields. By the second fall, once established, each plant can produce 2 to 3 pounds of large, white roots with a potent flavor that reaches peak intensity after the season's first frost. Harvesting after frost, when the leaves die back naturally, yields the richest-tasting roots.
Botanically classified as Armoracia rusticana, Big Top belongs to the Brassicaceae family, along with cabbage and mustard. This perennial reaches 3 to 4 feet in height and spreads up to 3 feet wide, forming a dense mound of coarse, green leaves that add texture and interest to the garden. The large rosette of foliage emerges in late spring and can be planted as a standalone specimen or en masse for a striking display. Early summer brings clusters of tall flower stalks with small, white blooms that later turn to seed pods, making Big Top an attractive addition to ornamental beds while doubling as an edible crop.
Cold hardy to Zone 3, Big Top horseradish thrives in a sunny, well-prepared bed with rich, well-draining soil. A slightly acidic pH between 6.2 and 6.7 promotes optimal root growth, and while it's generally low maintenance, keeping the soil moist during establishment is important. Regular watering throughout the season (without overwatering) supports robust growth. A spring fertilizer application of Espoma Organic® Tomato & Vegetable Food Tomato & Vegetable Food further boosts root development. Horseradish also acts as a natural pest deterrent, repelling potato beetles, making it a beneficial companion in vegetable gardens. With its long life and ease of care, Armoracia Big Top Horseradish will supply you with fresh, flavorful roots season after season.
