key growing information

Growing Burdock from Seed

How to grow burdock root (gobo, Arctium lappa) from seed: deep soil needs, direct sowing and thinning, harvest season, storage and seeding rates.

By Hensley’s Seed Co. September 3, 2026

Burdock - Key Growing Information

This box of bundled burdock roots will keep in storage for several months.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Arctium lappa

CULTURE:

Sow directly. Good roots need deep, well-drained soil, 1–2' of loose ground. Plant anytime in spring, 3/4" deep and about 2" apart in rows 24" apart, then thin to 2–3".

HARVEST:

Dig from fall into early spring. Growing in a raised bed with removable sides lets you dig from the side, which means fewer broken roots.

STORAGE:

Store at 32°F (0°C) and 95% relative humidity for best results. Roots left unwashed stay crisp longer on the market table.

AVG. DIRECT SEEDING RATE:

At 7 seeds per foot in rows 2' apart: about 1 oz. per 230', 4½ oz. per 1,000', and 6 lb. per acre.

SEED SPECS:

Average seeds per lb.: 35,100.

PACKET:

100 seeds per packet, enough for about 14'.