Are these pests harmful to the root?

Most leaf pests do not damage the root directly, but they reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize and grow.

Can I use chemical pesticides?

It is best to stick to organic methods like neem oil or hand picking, as you will be eating the roots later.

What is eating my horseradish leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for eggs or larvae.
Look for small holes or ragged edges on the foliage.
Check for jumping insects when you brush the leaves.

Likely causes

Flea Beetles
Most likely
How to tell: You see tiny, round holes all over the leaves, making them look like lace. The beetles are small and jump when you touch the plant.
What to do: Use floating row covers to protect young plants. You can also spray the leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Cabbage Worms
Possible
How to tell: Large, irregular holes in the leaves and small green droppings on the foliage. You might find the velvety green caterpillars hiding under the leaves.
What to do: Pick the caterpillars off by hand in the morning. For larger infestations, apply Bacillus thuringiensis, which is a natural bacteria that targets these worms.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your horseradish

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

A few holes are normal and won't hurt the harvest. Worry if the plant is being defoliated so quickly that it cannot grow new leaves.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around your horseradish free of weeds and debris where pests like to hide.

Horseradish: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your horseradish and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are these pests harmful to the root?: Most leaf pests do not damage the root directly, but they reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize and grow.
Can I use chemical pesticides?: It is best to stick to organic methods like neem oil or hand picking, as you will be eating the roots later.

Guides to these causes

Flea Beetles

What is eating my horseradish leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your horseradish?