Chiko, Burdock Seeds

Chiko Burdock Seed

Long hardy roots provide dependable cold-season market harvests
Burdock overwinters in place for convenient spring digging
Sturdy roots also store well after harvest
A traditional earthy vegetable for braises, soups, and pickles

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Arctium lappa

Days to maturity

115 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

50 Seeds

About Chiko, Burdock Seed, Burdock Seed

The Chiko Burdock is a nutritious root with a curative medicinal property! Burdock is perfect for winter markets. The long roots of the burdock are among the hardiest of root vegetables, and not only overwinter in the garden easily for spring digging but also store well.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

3/4"

Days to Germination

7–14 days

In-row plant spacing

6-12"

Row Spacing

24-36"

Plant profile

Maturity

Fall

Life Cycle

Biennial

Plant Height

Above 96 inches

Growth Habits

Rosette, Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

2,194

Color

Multicolor

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Growing Season

Cool-Season Crop

Before Planting

Burdock benefits from a full-sun site with deep, loose, well-drained soil. Remove stones, clods, roots, and undecomposed organic matter, then work the bed to a fine texture so burdock roots can develop evenly. Avoid fresh manure and excessive nitrogen, and correct soil fertility only as indicated by a soil test.

Planting

For burdock, sow seed directly in cool weather as soon as the soil can be worked. Keep the seedbed evenly moist and prevent the surface from crusting until seedlings emerge. Because burdock roots are easily disrupted, avoid transplanting. Thin seedlings to 18–24 inches apart so the taproots can enlarge.

Watering

Burdock develops best with steady soil moisture. Supply deep water when rainfall is inadequate, never allowing severe drying or prolonged saturation while the edible roots are enlarging.

Fertilizer

Burdock is a moderate feeder. Use balanced nutrition based on soil-test results, limiting nitrogen after establishment so energy goes toward root development rather than excessive foliage.

Harvesting

Lift burdock once exposed shoulders show the variety’s expected size and color. Use a fork in compact soil, handle roots gently, and harvest before texture becomes woody, fibrous, or cracked.

Tips

Use row cover during early burdock growth to conserve moisture and deter pests, removing it when no longer needed. Keep cultivation shallow and succession-sow where repeated harvests are useful.

Pests & Diseases

Alternaria and Cercospora leaf spots, powdery mildew, and root rots can affect burdock. Remove badly spotted leaves before lesions merge, but do not mistake insect feeding for disease. Long roots need uncompacted drainage; rotate away from related asters, avoid fresh diseased residue, and harvest before damaged roots become secondary rot sites.

Watch burdock for leaf-feeding beetles, root maggots, wireworms, nematodes, and rodents. Use barriers before adult flies arrive, rotate crops, and avoid leaving damaged roots in the bed.