Arctium lappa (Burdock) 9 cm Pot

Growth habit & appearance: Arctium lappa forms an impressive first-year rosette of broad, heart-shaped leaves with felted undersides and strong, upright petioles. These substantial leaves can give the plant an almost architectural look. In its second year, it produces tall flowering stems reaching up to 130 cm, topped with distinctive purple, thistle-like flower heads surrounded by hooked bracts that mature into the well-known burrs. These nectar-rich blooms attract bees and a wide range of pollinators, while the plant’s rugged stature makes it an unmistakable presence in any herb garden.

Growing conditions: Fully hardy in Ireland, burdock thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers deep, loose, fertile soil that allows its long taproot to develop without obstruction. A European species accustomed to cool climates, it grows strongly in Irish conditions and establishes readily when planted out from a 9 cm pot. It is a classic biennial—forming leaves in the first year, then flowering and setting seed in the second.

Traditional & herbal uses: Burdock root has a long history in European and Asian herbal traditions, where it has been referenced for supporting liver function, assisting skin clarity, easing digestive sluggishness and helping maintain regularity. Its earthy, slightly sweet root has also been used as a nutritious vegetable in some cuisines.

Maintenance & harvesting: Provide consistent moisture and keep the soil open and friable to encourage deep taproot formation. Remove competing weeds early in the first season to prevent crowding. Roots are traditionally harvested in the first autumn or if it does not flower at the end of its second year, when they are largest and most developed. If you wish to prevent the spread of burrs, remove flower heads before they mature. Once established, cut back old stems as they fade and allow new seedlings to emerge where desired, or thin them to control overcrowding.