346 VEGETABLE GARDENING 



bulbs may be harvested, cured and stored under th« 

 same conditions tliat are favorable for onions. 



HORSE-RADISH (Cochlcaria armoracia) 



468. History and importance. — This garden perennial 

 of the mustard family had its origin in some eastern 

 European country. Later it became naturalized in Great 

 Britain, growing wild along streams, in meadows and in 

 moist, uncultivated soils. In this country it is often seen 

 about the farm premises, generally furnishing roots 

 sufficient to meet the demands of the home, and is largely 

 grown for commercial purposes. It has become one of 

 our most important condiments. The cities use large 

 supplies of the roots during the cooler parts of the year. 

 In most of the trucking regions large fields of it may be 

 seen. Many market gardeners find it a profitable crop. 



469. Uses. — The roots are fleshy, whitish externally 

 and pure white within. When properly grown they are 

 long, conical at the top, nearly cylindrical for several 

 inches, and branching below. The flesh is acrid and 

 biting to the taste. When ground or grated it emits a 

 strong, pungent odor. The grated product is treated 

 with vinegar and used mainly as a relish with oysters 

 and meats. The flesh soon loses its stinging properties 

 upon exposure to the air, so that sealing in jars is neces- 

 sary for its preservation. Horse-radish vinegar is some- 

 times prepared from the roots. 



470. Soil. — Very light soils or heavy clays should nol 

 be used for this crop, but deep, fertile, sandy loams pro- 

 vide ideal conditions. A liberal and constant supply ol 

 soil moisture is essential to the best results, although 

 good drainage is important. There must be no defi 

 ciency in humus if large roots are desired. 



471. Propagation. — The plant is propagated from root 

 cuttings made from the laterals removed when the roots 



