Greater Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Sale price $19.95Deep Detox Root with Edible Greens and Pollinator Power
Greater Burdock, also known as Gobo, is a powerful medicinal and culinary plant grown for its nutrient-rich taproot, edible young shoots and leaves, and striking thistle-like appearance. Widely used in Asian, European, and herbal traditions, Burdock root is prized for its ability to support liver function, detoxify the blood, and aid digestion. In Japan, it’s a staple veggie known as Gobo, commonly stir-fried, pickled, or simmered in stews.
This biennial herb forms a rosette of large, velvety green leaves in its first year, then sends up a towering flower stalk in year two, blooming with purple, pollinator-attracting flowers that develop into the iconic burrs that inspired Velcro. The deep roots break up heavy soils and mine nutrients, making Burdock a great addition to regenerative gardens and food forests.
Easy to grow and adaptable, Burdock thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, especially when given loose, deep ground to develop long, straight roots. Harvest the roots in the first year for best flavor and medicinal potency.
| Scientific Name | Arctium lappa |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Greater Burdock, Gobo, Edible Burdock |
| Family | Asteraceae (Sunflower Family) |
| Origin | Europe and Asia |
| Plant Type | Root Vegetable / Medicinal Herb |
| Life Cycle | Biennial |
| Food Forest Layer | Root / Herbaceous Layer |
| Mature Size | 2–3 ft leaves; 5–6 ft tall in bloom |
| Light | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Harvest Season | Fall (roots best harvested Year 1) |
| Time to Harvest | 90–150 days (roots), Year 1 |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Zones | USDA Zones 4–9 |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Seeds |
| Seasonal Characteristics | Biennial; large basal leaves first year, flowers second year |
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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