346 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
bulbs may be harvested, cured and stored under the 
same conditions that are favorable for onions. 
HORSE-RADISH (Cochlearia 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. I11 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 not 
be used for this crop, but deep, fertile, sandy loams pro- 
vide ideal conditions. A liberal and constant supply of 
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 
