Horseradish, a long-lived perennial, is the 2011 Herb of the Year. (C) Lasse Kristensen/Fotolia
If you like hot and spicy, you’ll love the 2011 Herb of the Year.
The International Herb Association has picked horseradish for the honor. This hardy perennial plant, prized for its pungent root, is easy to grow in Indiana and does not have much problem with pests or diseases.
Buy a quality horseradish root at a garden center or online or mail order retailer. Plant horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) in a sunny location with well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, such as compost, rotted manure or chopped leaves. Dig a hole about 6 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Place a 4 to 6 inch section of a horseradish root lengthwise in the hole and cover with soil.
Give horseradish plenty of space because is will spread aggressively. Because of its extensive root system, it is hard to remove, so consider it a permanent plant. Many gardeners grow it in a large, all-weather container.
Plant horseradish root in spring or fall. It will develop leafy top growth and have white flowers late spring to early summer. Harvest the following fall by digging out part of the root or the whole plant. If the latter, replant a section of the root for a new crop the following year.
‘Praying Hands’ hosta
'Praying Hands' named 2011 Hosta of the Year. Photo courtesy PerennialResource.com
An unusual Hosta called ‘Praying Hands’ has been named the 2011 Hosta of the Year by the American Hosta Growers Association. What makes this hosta unique are its narrow, upright green, slightly curled leaves edged with a creamy-white band.
Introduced in 1996, this shade-loving plant gets about 18 inches tall and wide and has lavender flowers. Plant hosta in well-drained, organically rich soil. It blends nicely with ferns, astilbe, bleeding hearts and other lacy-leafed shade-tolerant perennials. Or, use this variety as a container plant for the summer and transplant to the ground in fall. This hosta should be available at area garden centers.
I actually bought ‘Praying Hands’ a few years ago. Really like the texture. I’ll buy my horseradish already prepared.