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When to Plant Horseradish in Greeley 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.

Greeley County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.

At an elevation of 1,040 feet, Greeley County receives approximately 30.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Horseradish to ensure they mature before fall.

Greeley County, NE (Zone 4b) Moderate season
165 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
165 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Greeley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Sep 9 – Sep 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (4 days to spare)
Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Sep 14 – Oct 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (2 days to spare)
Transplant: May 28 🍅 Harvest: Oct 1 – Oct 22

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 321 gal / 100 sq ft
Horseradish needs ~1,838 GDD — county provides 2,021 GDD Good fit

Horseradish Planting Timeline โ€” Greeley County, NE

Horseradish Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 11 May 11 โ€“ May 25
Harvest September 14 Sep 14 โ€“ Oct 5

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 4b

Growing Season

165 days

Growing Tips for Greeley 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 Greeley County, NE?

Greeley County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Horseradish planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Greeley County, NE?

Greeley County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Greeley County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Greeley County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.