Horseradish production in Illinois

Abstract

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a hardy perennial that is grown for its white, fleshy, and pungent roots. Illinois leads the United States in production of horseradish, with ≈1500 acres and an annual farm-gate value of about $10 million, with most processed and added as an ingredient to various commercially produced condiments. Horseradish in Illinois is primarily grown in the Mississippi River Valley region adjacent to St. Louis due to the well-drained, deep friable, high organic matter, moist loam soils that are present in this area. Most of the production is located in Madison and St. Claire counties. This region of southwestern Illinois has been producing horseradish commercially for over 150 years. This review provides an overview of the basics of horseradish production in Illinois, including propagation, cultivars, planting, cultivation, fertilization, pest management, harvest, grading, storage, and marketing. Horseradish is one of the most important specialty crops grown in Illinois, and current and future production concerns are also discussed.