Burdock in Zone 9a & 9b
Arctium lappa
Yes, burdock grows in zones 9a and 9b. Plant it outside Feb 22–Mar 1.
When to plant burdock in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Feb 22–Mar 1 |
| Estimated harvest | Jun 22–Jun 29 (~120 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-4 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 9b
These go outside within two weeks of burdock in zone 9b, so one planting day can cover them.
- TomatoMar 1–Mar 8
- Bush BeansFeb 22–Mar 1
- Sweet CornFeb 22–Mar 1
- CucumberFeb 22–Mar 1
- ZucchiniFeb 22–Mar 1
- Winter SquashFeb 22–Mar 1
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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. Burdock needs about 120 days from sowing to first harvest.
Burdock planting windows in every zone
Zone 9b 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 | 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 (your zone) | 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 9b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Burdock in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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