Burdock
€4.95
Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a hardy biennial edible and medicinal plant that typically reaches 1–2 m tall in its second year, forming large, heart-shaped leaves and tall branching stems topped with purple thistle-like flowers. In its first year, it produces a long, earthy, nutritious taproot that is widely used as a vegetable, especially in Japanese cooking where it is known as gobo. The roots have a sweet, mild, earthy flavour and can be used in stir-fries, soups, stews, pickles, ferments, roasted dishes, and herbal preparations. Burdock is easy to grow and is ideal for gardeners of all experience levels, providing edible roots, pollinator-friendly flowers, deep soil-opening roots, and strong ecological value in vegetable gardens, forest gardens, wildlife gardens, and permaculture plantings.
Burdock thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers deep, loose, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It is fully hardy in Ireland’s cool temperate climate and is especially useful in regenerative systems because its strong taproot helps draw up minerals and improve soil structure over time. Its edible roots, wildlife-friendly flowers, useful biomass, and ability to grow well with minimal input make it a valuable plant for resilient edible landscapes and biodiversity-friendly food systems.
Quantity
Only 5 left in stock
Growing Instructions
Plant in full sun or partial shade in deep, loose, well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost or well-rotted organic matter. Avoid compacted or stony ground if growing for straight, easy-to-harvest roots, and water regularly during dry spells while young plants are establishing. Apply a mulch of compost, leaf mould, or straw to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and support steady root growth.
Harvest roots in autumn of the first year, before the plant sends up its flowering stem in the second year, when they are tender and best for eating. Allow some plants to flower if you want to support pollinators and produce seed, but remove seed heads before they mature if you wish to prevent self-seeding. Its edible mineral-rich roots, pollinator flowers, deep soil-improving taproot, and low-maintenance nature make it perfect for kitchen gardens, forest gardens, wildlife gardens, soil-building areas, and permaculture systems seeking useful biennial food crops.
