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When to Plant Horseradish in Fillmore County, NE

Horseradish is a vigorous perennial grown for its pungent, spicy roots used as a condiment. Once established, it can be difficult to eradicate, so choose its location carefully.

Fillmore County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.

At an elevation of 733 feet, Fillmore County receives approximately 33.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Horseradish to ensure they mature before fall.

Fillmore County, NE (Zone 5a) Moderate season
173 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
173 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12

Fillmore County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Sep 4 – Oct 16
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Sep 9 – Oct 21
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Sep 20 – Nov 1

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 345 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Horseradish needs ~1,950 GDD — county provides 2,249 GDD Good fit

Horseradish Planting Timeline โ€” Fillmore County, NE

Horseradish Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 โ€“ May 20
Harvest September 9 Sep 9 โ€“ Oct 21

Plant 1" deep ยท 30" apart ยท Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Harvest
October Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

120โ€“180 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 5a

Growing Season

173 days

Growing Tips for Fillmore County

Plant root cuttings at a 45-degree angle in early spring. Harvest roots in late fall for strongest flavor. Contain the plant with barriers or grow in large containers.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Horseradish in Fillmore County, NE?

Fillmore County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Horseradish planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fillmore County, NE?

Fillmore County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 12.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Fillmore County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Fillmore County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.