Learning Download: How to Grow Burdock

This is considered an easy plant to grow and has an interesting gamut of uses. The plant can reach up to 9 feet high and produces rough, sticky and burred fruits. It is known to be used for treatment of scalp or skin issues.

Before Planting: Burdock requires a deep, 1-2′, well-drained soil to produce quality roots.

Planting: Sow anytime in spring, about 2″ apart, 3/4″ deep, in rows 24″ apart. Thin to 2-3″ apart. (Average direct seeding rate: 1 oz./230′, 4 1/2 oz./1,000′, 6 lb./acre at 7 seeds/ft. in rows 2′ apart.)

Watering: Water lightly if soil is dry.

Fertilizer: Burdock doesn’t require fertilizer to grow. However, if you notice your plants aren’t growing as quickly as they should or aren’t producing as well, add a balanced fertilizer.

Days to Maturity: Burdock root and leaves can be harvested as early as 8 to 12 weeks after sowing the seeds in the spring.

Harvesting: Burdock leaves should be harvested while they are young and tender. Use a shovel or garden fork and dig a hole next to the root so you can leverage the root into that space.

Tips: If burdock becomes too large, it will quickly become difficult to harvest, which is why it is important to harvest the plant while its young.