Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
In late spring to early summer, when above-ground shoots are 4-5 in. (10-12 cm) long, free roots
from the top (shallow) end (make sure the bottom, deep end remains in the soil). Remove all side roots
except the thickest, then cover root again with soil.
SELECTION CHARACTERISTICS
There are no varieties per se, but rather selections from areas of tra-
ditional horseradish cultivation ('Bayrischer' [Bavarian], 'Österreichischer' [Austrian], 'Steirische
Auslese' [Styrian selection], etc.). These selections vary in root size, leaf shape, flavor (spicy or mild),
texture of flesh (hard or soft), and resistance to fungal and viral diseases.
DISEASES AND PESTS
Diseases are rarely an issue in the home garden. In commercial production, ver-
ticillium wilt (
Verticillium albo-atrum
) and white rust (
Albugo candida
) are the main concerns. White
rust is a downy mildew fungus. Milky, pustule-shaped spots appear on the tops and bottoms of leaves;
they open and spread spores, and these spores can then overwinter in the soil. The fungus can also
overwinter as mycelium on roots. In serious cases, leaves die off and root heads rot. Remove and dis-
pose of infected plants.
CULTIVATION HISTORY
Horseradish is found in gardens across Europe and in the temperate zones of
the USA, sometimes even in mountainous areas of the tropics. It is presumed to have originated in
southern Russia and eastern Ukraine, spreading from these native lands to central Europe, with docu-
mentation of its cultivation dating back to the 12th century. The top-producing countries are Austria,
Poland, and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
ARUGULA, ROCKET
Eruca sativa
Arugula is an old crop plant enjoying a recent resurgence in popularity. It can be used as a pungent,
spicy addition to salads or sandwiches, a pizza topping or, combined with olive oil, salt, and Parmesan
cheese, a refreshing appetizer. A relative of arugula is perennial wallrocket (
Diplotaxis tenuifolia
),
which is slower growing, with narrower leaves and a more intense flavor.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
• 10 ft.
2
(1 m
2
) of late-bolting plants
POLLINATION NOTES
Arugula is a strict outcrosser. Its flowers are self-sterile, so at least two plants
and pollinator insects are needed for pollination. Flowers are white or cream-colored, sometimes with
purple veins. Perennial wallrocket flowers are brilliant yellow. Arugula and perennial wallrocket do
not cross with each other.
GROWING FOR SEED
Broadcast or sow in rows as early as possible in the spring, so plants do not
flower so quickly, allowing more time for selecting for leaf development and to give more time for
seed to ripen. Arugula is an annual and can be sown several times until late summer because of its rel-
atively short life (about 40 days). As soon as plants have three pairs of leaves, they can be cut for eat-
ing.
