Arctium lappa ( Burdock Takinogawa ) is a biennial herb that is native to temperate regions from Scandinavia to Japan. Grown for its edible roots, Burdock is fast-growing, packed full of healthy minerals and can be harvested in around 90 days. It is widely regarded as a detoxification herb in both Chinese and Western medicine. Throughout summer, Burdock attracts insects into the garden with their purple flowers.
Suitable for Temperate and Sub-Tropical climates.
Arctium lappa is the botanical name for Greater Burdock but is also assigned to this specific variety of Burdock called Takinogawa Long. Takinogawa Long is an heirloom Japanese variety that is open pollinated and widely cultivated for its long roots. Although the roots are the main attraction, given its detoxification properties, the entire plant can be eaten and have a similar flavour to artichoke.
Arctium lappa is also commonly known as Beggar’s Buttons, Bardane, Great or Thorny Burr, Gobo, Clotbur, Cocklebur and Cockle Buttons.
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Growth
Arctium lappa is a fast-growing biennial plant that grows to a maximum height of around 2 metres (7 feet) and spreads no wider than 1m (3 feet). It has large, wavy-edged cordiform leaves that have a long petiole and are pubescent on the underside. Flowers appear during summer and are purple, grouped in globular capitula and united in clusters. The fruits are achenes and are long, compressed and contain small hooks to allow the fur of animals to carry them long distances. They also contain short pappus hairs which are sharp, hazardous to humans and animals.
Burdock plants produce a strong fleshy taproot that can grow up to 1 metre (3 feet) and can be ready to harvest around 90 days after the seed has germinated. This Burdock variety, Takinogawa Long, is fast-growing and can achieve its full height by the end of summer.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asteraceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5 to 30°C / 41 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Deep loose soil with good nutrients.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 3 metres (10 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
pH:
6.6-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial, Fast Growing.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light – Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by long-tongued bees, butterflies & other insects.
MATURITY:
120 days
GERMINATION RATES:
80-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 80
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT ARCTIUM LAPPA (Burdock Takinogawa Long)
Burdock Takinogawa Long is a popular Japanese heirloom variety that is renowned for a stronger flavour and longer taproots.
Burdock is a popular herb for treating sore throats and colds but its primarily known for its detoxification properties. The roots of Burdock contain inulin which is a prebiotic fibre that helps with digestion and can help detoxify the blood and lymph system.
Roots of Arctium lappa can be used in poultices, tinctures, herbal teas, and as fluid extracts.
