Burdock in Zone 5a & 5b
Arctium lappa
When to plant burdock in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Burdock doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 17–May 24 |
| Estimated harvest | Sep 14–Sep 21 (~120 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-4 ft.
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 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Burdock needs about 120 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Burdock.
Where to buy burdock seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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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 5b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Burdock in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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