Great Burdock Seeds (Arctium lappa)

Grow a versatile and medicinally valued plant with Great Burdock (Arctium lappa). Known for its large, edible roots and striking purple flower heads, this hardy biennial is perfect for vegetable gardens, herbal use, and natural landscaping. Easy to cultivate, it also attracts pollinators and adds architectural interest with its tall stems and broad leaves.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds directly outdoors in spring after the last frost.

• Use fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

• Sow seeds thinly and cover lightly with soil.

• Keep soil moist until germination (10–20 days).

• Thin seedlings to 30–50 cm apart to allow ample root development.

• Harvest roots in the first year for medicinal use or leave to mature in the second year for flowers and seeds.

Key Features

• Large edible roots valued for culinary and medicinal use

• Striking purple thistle-like flower heads

• Hardy biennial with rapid growth and tall stems

• Attracts bees and pollinators

• Architectural foliage adds interest to gardens

Ideal For

• Vegetable and herb gardens

• Natural or wildlife-friendly landscapes

• Pollinator-friendly planting

• Culinary and herbal uses

Sowing

• Best time: Spring after the last frost

• Germination: 10–20 days

• Sow thinly and cover lightly with soil

• Prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil

Quick Tip

• For the best edible roots, harvest before the plant flowers in its first year.