Burdock Seeds - Watanabe Early

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How to Grow Great Burdock

Recommended for spring sowing for summer harvest. Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. For best results, avoid heavy clay soils. Sow seeds in spring or fall in a sunny location. This variety does not bolt when sown in fall. Improve germination by soaking seeds for 24 hours in warm water. Burdock seeds will not germinate without sensing light. Seeds must be barely covered with soil. Keep the soil moist and fertilize as needed. Thin out weak seedlings.

Harvesting Watanabe Burdock

Harvest about 8-12 weeks after planting. You will want to harvest while the plant is still young or it will be difficult to harvest as its roots continue to grow. Use a shovel to dig next to the roots so you have room to pull them up without damaging the edible root. You can also use the foliage.

Culinary Tips

Use in stir-fry, ohitashi, tempura or pickle. Prepare root by rubbing off the bark with the back of a knife. Cut thin slices and soak in water for about 2 hours to remove bitterness. A classic Japanese dish called kimpira is made with shaved pieces of burdock, julienned carrots, celery, all stir-fried in sesame oil with soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and hot peppers.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Because Burdock can become invasive in some areas, prevent its spread by removing the flower heads before it has a chance to produce seeds in its second year. This variety is not the common burdock (Arctium minus) and is much less invasive though it can become weedy if not maintained well."

- Ashleigh Smith, True Leaf Market Managing Editor

Seeds Per Package:

• 2 g packet - Approximately 130 Seeds‬
• 1 oz - Approximately 1,900 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 7,600 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 30,400 Seeds
• 5 lb - Approximately 152,000 Seeds