Growing Burdock, also Gobo (Japanese Burdock)

Arctium lappa : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
P P P P P     P P P P P

(Best months for growing Burdock in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 60 cm apart
  • Harvest in 17-18 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Best grown in separate bed.

Your comments and tips

07 Oct 17, Tai (USA - Zone 4a climate)
I am living in Des Moines, Iowa. I would like to grow burdock plants but I do not know they could be coming back the next year whenever the cold winter over. Please, let me known. Thanks!
28 Apr 17, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How do they look like as a.plant
30 Apr 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)
Burdock is a biennial member of the Asteracea family so has daisy type flowers. It is not easy to describe the appearance of the plant. You could look up pictures on the internet.
19 Sep 20, Heather (Australia - temperate climate)
Looks a lot like rhubarb - very large leaves.
23 Apr 17, Simon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy Burdock plants or seeds in South Africa. Alternaively_ where can I buy Seeds overseas?
24 Apr 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I found some on bidorbuy.co.za . search them and enter 'burdock seeds'. All the best
04 Apr 17, Claire (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Lanya, Some on-line suppliers have burdock
10 Mar 17, Lanya Murray (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi , where can I get some burdock seeds ?
09 Oct 21, Sarah (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Carols Heirloom Seeds on Trademe
12 Mar 17, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try a search of NZ on-line suppliers
Showing 21 - 30 of 88 comments

Why do people plant Burdock? In my area, it grows everywhere and overtakes everything. It’s also impossible to pull w/ the hands, I have to dig them out to remove them. Genuine question, as there’s obviously a use for them if there’s a guide to growing them!

- Winter

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.