Burdock is a large, brown root cultivated for its tender, crunchy white flesh which has a sweet, mild, earthy flavor reminiscent of artichokes. This highly nutritious root is a favorite in East Asia, and an essential part of the Zen Buddhist diet. Add to soups and stir-fries for richer flavor, or make traditional dishes like Chinese Burdock Bone Soup, Kimpira Gobo and Ueong Jorim. This first-year winter-hardy variety flowers ornamental purple burs from July to October and provides essential pollen and nectar for honeybees around August. Burdock plants can grow up to 3 feet tall. Burdock is easy to grow, making it a perfect choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet rewarding crop. Its hardy nature and ability to grow in a variety of climates make it a great choice for gardeners looking to experiment with different plant varieties. Also Known As: Gobo, Japanese Burdock, Edible Burdock, Arctium Lappa, Lappa, Wild Burdock, Lesser Burdock, Great Burdock, Burdock Root, Dong Yang Lu Bo, Ngao Pong, Niu Pang, Uang, and Bardane. Plant Name: Burdock Latin Name: Arctium lappa Days to Germinate: 7-21 Days to Harvest: 80 Plant Height: 3 - 5 Feet Spread: 18 - 24 Inches Growth Habit: Upright USDA Zones: 3-9 Lifespan: Biennial Brand: TomorrowSeeds Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade Pollination: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated GMO: No Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: No Seeds Packed For**: 2026 *Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds. **Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates. Planting Instructions: Soil Preparation: Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth. Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 18 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage. Planting: Plant Burdock in spring as soon as the soil can be worked. For fall planting, direct sow seeds outdoors 6-8 weeks before the first frost for roots to establish before overwintering. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 18-24 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting. Planting Depth: 1/4 inch Within-Row Spacing: 18 inches Between-Row Spacing: 18-24 inches Care During the Season: Watering: Water the plants consistently, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once or twice a week. If there is no rainfall, water twice a week. Mulch can help retain moisture and reduce frequency of watering. Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots. Fertilizing: If the soil is not very fertile 6-8 weeks after planting, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing. Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions. Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions. Harvesting: Burdock is typically harvested in the fall when the root is mature, which usually takes about 2 years from planting. For the first year, Burdock plants will develop a rosette of leaves, and in the second year, it will send up a flowering stalk. Burdock roots are commonly harvested in the second year, once the plant has completed its growth cycle, and before the flower stalk starts to set seed. Burdock can be harvested in late fall after the first frost, as the colder weather tends to improve the flavor and texture of the root.
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