Burdock is a herbaceous plant that can be grown in your garden. It has many culinary and medicinal uses. Read more in this post.
You can grow Burdock in your home garden with the help of this article. This biennial plant can be used in food and as an herbal medicine by consulting a doctor.
USDA Zones – 2-11
Botanical Name: Arctium lappa and Arctium minus
Common Names: Burr Seed, Clotbur, Cocklebur, Cockle Buttons, Fox’s Clote, Gobo, Glouteron, Hardock, Harebur, Herbe du Teigneux, Lappa, Thorny Burr, Arctium, Arctium lappa, Arctium minus,
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Burdock Information
Burdock (Arctium lappa and Arctium minus) is a prevalent biennial herbaceous plant in many parts of North America, thriving and spreading due to nitrogen-rich soils. It can grow up to 10 feet tall, displaying a weedy appearance with large, floppy leaves. In the first year, leaves stay near the ground, and a tall flower stalk emerges in the second year, producing purple flowers and thistle-like seed burrs.
This plant is often found in neglected pastures and on roadsides, spreading easily through self-seeding. The seed pods turn into burrs resembling Velcro, sticking to various surfaces, including clothes and pet hair.
In warm climates, plant burdock seeds in the fall, whereas in colder climates, plant in the spring. It grows quickly, reaching full height by the end of summer. Harvest roots about 90 days after germination.
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Burdock Uses
Burdock has various culinary and herbal uses. Its sweet and pungent-flavored roots are often cooked or used in teas. In Asian cuisine, it (Gobo root) is common. The immature stalks, with a flavor likened to artichoke, are occasionally consumed. Young leaves can be used in salads or cooked dishes. It is recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly supporting the liver, urinary tract, and skin.
Burdock has various herbal uses, but medicinal applications require supervision. It can address skin problems when consumed or applied externally. Fresh burdock leaves, whether from the first or second year, can be steamed lightly and used as a poultice to extract infection and aid healing. Home herbalists should avoid using burdock seed tincture due to its potent effectiveness, especially if pregnant or dealing with specific medical conditions. Consult a doctor before use.
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Where to Plant Burdock
Burdock can be grown as an edible herb in various garden soils; it can reach a considerable height in suitable conditions. Note that it can be challenging to eliminate it once established, as it has deep tap roots that absorb significant soil nutrients.
To minimize issues, cultivating burdock in a location without self-seeding is not a concern. This practice guarantees a continual supply of seeds and roots over the years.
NOTE: Plant it away from deep-rooted vegetables like potatoes, onions, carrots, and beets. It is a better companion plant for asparagus and legumes.
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Burdock Varieties
Two edible burdock varieties are commonly cultivated: Arctium lappa, also called greater burdock, and common burdock (Actium minum), widespread in North America. Distinguishing between them can be challenging, but common burdock is somewhat smaller, with flowers that have no stalks and hollow main stems instead of solid. Both varieties share similar uses.
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How to Propagate Burdock
Stratify the seeds before planting to improve germination. Once the plants are established, additional seeding is unnecessary, as burdock will readily self-seed. If you want to grow more or share, gather seeds from the burrs in the plant’s second-year end. Plant the seeds right away or store them for the next spring.
Growing Burdock from Seeds
- Sow the seeds around 1/2 inches deep and 8 inches apart.
- Maintain soil moisture until germination, which typically occurs within seven days.
- After seeds germinate, minimal care is needed.
- Harvest the roots in about 90 days, while young leaves can be picked earlier.
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Ideal Growing Conditions for Burdock
Light
Burdock can perform well in both full sun and partial shade, though it appreciates some shade.
Soil
The plant thrives in various soils, but for root harvesting, sandy loam is preferable. With roots reaching up to 3 feet deep, dense and packed soil can make harvesting quite challenging.
Water
If there is regular rainfall, then Burdock does not require extra watering. A total of 1 inch every two weeks is entirely adequate.
Temperature and Humidity
It grows well in entire temperature and humidity conditions across North America.
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Burdock Care
Fertilizer
This herb is not required to be fertilized as it can become to robust in the soil high in nitrogen.
Pests and Diseases
Plants labeled as weeds are typically resistant to diseases and pests, and burdock is no different. While common pests like slugs, aphids, and mites may impact this herb, they rarely cause fatal harm. Four-lined bugs are particularly attracted to burdock, causing significant leaf damage. Neem oil is an effective treatment for these bugs.
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Harvesting
Young leaves, stalks, and roots of burdock serve culinary and medicinal purposes. Optimal harvesting is early in the season before the plant grows too large. From mid-summer, young leaves can be cut for salads or cooking, similar to spinach.
For using roots, wait until the end of the plant’s first year (or early in its second year) to dig it up after the soil is moisturized. Burdock has deep taproot; use a spade or garden for extraction; avoid pulling to prevent breakage. You can use the roots in various recipes, always wash them thoroughly before drying to remove loose dirt or sand. Prior to drying, chop or slice the roots as they become hard when dry.
Harvest seeds at the end of the second year when seed pods develop velcro-like burrs. Remove seeds from the prickly outer coating, dry them, and inspect for hidden insects before storage. Folk remedies often utilize these seeds as a pain reliever for conditions like toothache and arthritis.
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