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When to Plant Horseradish in Holt 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.

Holt County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.

At an elevation of 708 feet, Holt County receives approximately 28 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Horseradish to ensure they mature before fall.

Holt County, NE (Zone 4b) Moderate season
155 days
Last Spring Frost May 4
155 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Holt County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 12 🍅 Harvest: Sep 15 – Oct 6
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Sep 21 – Oct 12
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 1 🍅 Harvest: Oct 5 – Oct 26

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
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 399 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Horseradish needs ~1,500 GDD — county provides 1,550 GDD Good fit

Horseradish Planting Timeline โ€” Holt County, NE

Horseradish Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 18 May 18 โ€“ Jun 1
Harvest September 21 Sep 21 โ€“ Oct 12

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 Transplant Outdoors
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

155 days

Growing Tips for Holt 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 Holt County, NE?

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

What planting zone is Holt County, NE?

Holt County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Holt 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 Holt County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.