How to Grow Burdock
Arctium, Biennial
Early settlers brought Burdock to the U.S. American Indians included this
vegetable in their gardens. Today, it can be found growing wild in many parts
of the country. Burdock is an edible root, native to Europe, Asia and Japan.
Actually, the leaves and tender, young stems are edible, too. Roots can be
eaten raw or cooked. Leaves and stems are usually cooked like spinach.
Burdock has been used in a wide variety of herbal medicines. The most common
is treatment of skin and scalp problems, including combating hair loss and
dandruff control. Burdock has also been used as liver treatment, to
stimulate the digestive system, colds and sore throats, and even for treatment
of leprosy.
Caution: Diabetics should consult their physician before eating Burdock.
It could interfere with medication.
Burdock Trivia: George de Mestral invented Velcro after studying how
burdock burrs clung to clothing and animal fur.
Propagation:
Burdock is grown from seed. Sow Burdock seeds in your garden as early
as the ground can be worked. Cover seeds with 1/2" to 3/4" of fine garden
or seed starting soil. Tamp soil. Water lightly, if the soil is dry.
Seedlings germinate quickly, in about 4-7 days.
How to Grow Burdock Plants:
Burdock is easy to grow. It grows readily in the wild, without day human
assistance. The attention you provide to it in your garden, will promote
bigger, deeper roots, and more plant and seed to harvest. Burdock likes full
sun, but will tolerate partial shade.
The soil should be rich, and drain well. The most important characteristic
of the soil, should be loose and free of rocks and stones up to a depth of
a couple of feet. This allows the roots to grow long and straight.
After seedlings have grown a few inches, thin to 3" apart in rows two feet
apart. Weed frequently, especially when plants are young.
Keep soil moist. Apply a general purpose fertilizer once a month.
Did you Know? The roots of some varieties of Burdock can grow four
feet long. Some plant varieties can grow up to nine feet tall.
Keep flowers and burrs picked, to promote growth of plant and root.
Tip: Fewer leaves allow denser plants and a higher yield. If you are
growing Burdock just for the roots, prune some leaves as
the plant grows.
Harvesting:
Pick leaves and tender young stems for eating fresh. Cook like spinach.
Roots take a long time to grow, over 100 days. Pick when roots are one to
two feet long. Peel and eat raw or cooked. Use in soups, salads, and stir
fries.
Insect and Disease:
Insects can be an occasional problem. Treat with insecticide or repellents,
as needed.
More Information:
Buy Vegetable Seeds Finest quality Ferry Morse Seed,
America's oldest seed company with their famous "guarantee to grow".
Pest Netting - Keep rabbits, deer, and other foraging
animals out!
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