Life cycle: Herbaceous biennial (Zone 3)
Native: Eurasia; introduced to N. America and elsewhere.
Height: 2-9 feet
Sun: Full sun, partial shade, shade.
Soil: Loamy soil is preferred, neutral to alkaline pH.
Water: Moderate water is preferred. Likes damp places.
Flowers: Late in the summer of the second year. Flowers are green immature burs with a pink center. As the seed matures the pods turn a tan/ brown color.
Propagation: Stratified seed will have a 80-90% germination rate; unstratified seed will be less. Germinates in 1-2 weeks. Seed can be sown directly in the field in the spring, or they can be started indoors planted 1/8” deep, and transplanted out in the late spring. Seedlings grow very rapidly. Space plants 18 inches apart and water moderately. Burdock will reseed itself readily so spreading will occur.
Pests: No significant pests (insects or diseases) noted. Some general leaf feeding noted in field plots.
Harvesting: Roots are harvested in the fall of the first year growth or in the spring of the second year. Burdock has a very deep long taproot that require a needle nose spade or a garden fork to dig. The seed pods should be harvested in the fall of the second year.
Parts used: Roots, leaves, and seed, either fresh or dried.
Used as: Medicinal food, decoction, tincture, syrup, compress, poultice, elixir, ointment, salve, cream, balm, foot soak, bath herb, infused oil, tea (cancer treatment - seed).
Medicinal Benefits: In vitro, burdock shows mild anti-microbial activity. Folk uses include ailments of the gastrointestinal tract and for blood purifying. Externally used for many skin and scalp problems, sores and infections. In China, seeds are used for common colds and cough..
Market Potential: Moderate to high for root and seed. Moderate to low for leaves. In addition to medicinal market, fresh root may be sold as a vegetable (check local market for prices). Prices found include leaf (only 1 site) for $10.05, root for $3.60-33.60, and seed (only 3 sites) for $26.13-95.34 (all prices per DW lb).
