When to Plant Horseradish in St. Louis City, MO
This month in St. Louis City, Missouri
May is a pivotal month for St. Louis City, Missouri gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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.
St. Louis City, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 612 feet, St. Louis City receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Horseradish during the growing season.
St. Louis City Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in St. Louis City
How your county's soil matches Horseradish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) overlaps with Horseradish's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in St. Louis City is excellent for Horseradish — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Horseradish.
How to Plant Horseradish
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Horseradish
Horseradish needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Horseradish Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in St. Louis City). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Horseradish Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Horseradish Planting Timeline — St. Louis City, MO
Horseradish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Harvest | August 26 | Aug 26 – Nov 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
202 days in St. Louis City
Growing Tips for Horseradish in St. Louis City
Direct sow Horseradish outdoors after April 08 in St. Louis City when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Horseradish in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Horseradish in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Horseradish in St. Louis City, MO?
St. Louis City is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Horseradish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Louis City, MO?
St. Louis City, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 27.
Your St. Louis City Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Louis City (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.