Burdock in Zone 3a & 3b
Arctium lappa
Yes, burdock grows in zones 3a and 3b. Plant it outside Jun 6–Jun 13.
When to plant burdock in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jun 6–Jun 13 |
| Estimated harvest | Oct 4–Oct 11 (~120 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-4 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 3b
These go outside within two weeks of burdock in zone 3b, so one planting day can cover them.
- TomatoJun 13–Jun 20
- Bush BeansJun 6–Jun 13
- Sweet CornJun 6–Jun 13
- CucumberJun 6–Jun 13
- ZucchiniJun 6–Jun 13
- Winter SquashJun 6–Jun 13
Burdock is a long-rooted Asian specialty root vegetable, grown for its mild, slightly sweet root rather than for anything happening above ground.
How burdock fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Burdock needs about 120 days from sowing to first harvest.
Burdock planting windows in every zone
Zone 3b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b (your zone) | Not usually | Jun 6–Jun 13 | Oct 4–Oct 11 |
| 4a & 4b | Not usually | May 22–May 29 | Sep 19–Sep 26 |
| 5a & 5b | Not usually | May 17–May 24 | Sep 14–Sep 21 |
| 6a & 6b | Not usually | May 2–May 9 | Aug 30–Sep 6 |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Apr 17–Apr 24 | Aug 15–Aug 22 |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Apr 1–Apr 8 | Jul 30–Aug 6 |
| 9a & 9b | Not usually | Feb 22–Mar 1 | Jun 22–Jun 29 |
| 10a & 10b | Not usually | Feb 6–Feb 13 | Jun 6–Jun 13 |
Harvest dates are about 120 days after the sow or plant-out date.
Good companions
No well-established companions for burdock.
Where to buy burdock seeds
True Leaf Market (each supplier's burdock seeds)
Varieties we recommend, and where to get them:
- 'Chiko': Johnny's Selected Seeds' listed burdock variety, described as a nutritious, medicinal Asian specialty; there's little named-cultivar diversity beyond it in the seed trade this plant is sold through. Buy: True Leaf Market Full notes
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing burdock" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Burdock in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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