Armoracia rusticana ‘Variegata’

Plant of the Month June 2026

 GENERAL INFORMATION: Cultivated long-lived herb, used for its pungent roots. The variegated form is not a rampant spreader like the parent. It is a member of the Brassicaceae. (Cabbage family).

Common Name: Variegated horseradish.

Armoracia rusticana 'Variegata' - young plant with flower sprays.

Life Cycle: Perennial herb.

Height: to 70cm.

Bloom Time: Early June in Southern Ontario.

Armoracia rusticana 'Variegata' - inflorescence.

Flower Colour & Size: Tiny (to 1 cm) 4-petalled white flowers in large dense panicles.

Scent: Jasmine like. Leaves and roots have strong, pungent mustard like smell.

Armoracia rusticana 'Variegata' - leaf.

Leaves: Young plants have mostly green leaves but soon produce large, long (50–60 cm), wavy, dark green leaves mottled with patches of white and cream. Older plants may have  almost completely white leaves.

Armoracia rusticana 'Variegata' leaves before slugs!

Fruit: Sterile flowers, usually no seeds.

Roots: Large, white fleshy tapering roots to 30cm or more.

Native Range for species: SE Europe and Western Asia.

Habitat (species): Riverbanks and meadows, disturbed soils, waste ground and along roadsides,

CULTIVATION: 

Plant: fleshy roots so stem tip is just below soil level. Even the smallest portion is likely to grow.

Light: Full sun to light shade..

Soil: Prefers rich moist soil but will grow in most places.

Water: Average.

USDA: Zones 3-9.

Pests and Diseases: Few. Cabbage worms and beetles may chew holes in the leaves, particularly the white parts.

Toxicity: All parts are edible but for sauce, vinegar should be added to the root soon after grating.

References: 

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/horseradish-armoracia-rusticana/

https://www.robsplants.com/plants/ArmorRusti

 

Text and images supplied by Anna Leggatt, Toronto Master Gardener.