A smiling little boy holding Takinogawa Burdock.
Burdock Seeds, Takinogawa
Burdock Seeds, Takinogawa
Takinogawa Burdock Root laying on ledge.
Cooked Takinogawa Burdock Root
A smiling little boy holding Takinogawa Burdock.
Burdock Seeds, Takinogawa
Burdock Seeds, Takinogawa
Takinogawa Burdock Root laying on ledge.
Cooked Takinogawa Burdock Root

Burdock Seeds,
Takinogawa

46 Reviews#HB179 · 150 seeds
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Description

This treasured Japanese burdock traces back to the Genroku era of the Edo period, when it was bred and improved by Suzuki Gengo in Takinogawa village near Tokyo. Known for flavor, length, and crisp texture, the roots can grow up to 3 feet long when raised in traditional burdock boxes. The skin is thin, the flesh cooks beautifully, and the winter-hardy first-year roots can be dug late into fall and even winter. More than 90% of burdock varieties are said to descend from this remarkable line, making it a true cornerstone of Japanese root-crop history.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Arctium lappa
Sun Requirement
4–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
12 in.
Ideal Temperature
65–70°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Soak the seed before sowing, then plant Takinogawa burdock in early spring once the threat of frost is over, or in late fall for the following season. Sow 1/4 inch deep and 12 inches apart into moist, rich soil at an ideal germination temperature of 65-85 F; seedlings appear in 7 to 14 days. Burdock likes full sun but is highly adaptable to both soil and light conditions.

Takinogawa makes a large rosette of leaves and a large edible taproot in the first year, and that winter-hardy first-year root can be dug late in the fall and even into winter, whenever the soil can be worked. Plants left in place flower in their second year and may become invasive.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Sow seeds 1/2-1 inch deep.
  • Sow seedlings in moist, rich soil after the threat of frost is over.
  • Burdock likes full sun but is highly adaptable to soil and light conditions.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 65-85 F.

How to Grow

  • Most easily grown in Japanese-style burdock boxes. These are tall, narrow boxes with a panel that can be removed to easily harvest the root.
  • Requires very little care.
  • Harvest root in fall or winter when the soil can be worked.
  • If burdock boxes are not used, plant in loose soil. Otherwise, dig a hole next to the plant and pull the root over.
  • Space plants 18 inches apart.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • In North America, Burdock borer moths can reduce the number of viable seed, which comes in the plant's second year. Sticky traps and pheromone traps can be used. For larvae currently damaging plants, beneficial nematodes mixed in an aqueous solution and injected into borer entrance holes can kill larvae. Introduce Trichogramma Wasp Egg Parasites into the growing area early in spring and once adult pests have been spotted.
  • Thoroughly spray possible egg-laying sites with horticultural or dormant oil sprays when adults are present and once the final frost has passed. The oils will smother the eggs and reduce borer populations the following season.
  • Burdock mottle virus and Burdock mosaic virus are both transmitted by aphids. Whenever aphids are seen, spray with organic insecticides. To control aphids at home use a dishwashing liquid, cedar oil, and an incredibly hot pepper sauce. You can also plant Sulfur Cinquefoil nearby to help with predatory sweat bee larvae.

How to Save Seeds

  • Burdock produces thistle-like flowers which give way to sticky burrs. Beware, these burrs will stick to your hair and clothes.
  • Wear gloves and carefully pry burrs open to reveal seeds.

FAQ

Do I need a Japanese burdock box to grow Takinogawa?

It is the easiest way. Burdock boxes are tall, narrow boxes with a panel that can be removed to easily harvest the root, and this root is known to reach 3 feet. Without a box, plant in loose soil and harvest by digging a hole next to the plant and pulling the root over.

How deep should I sow Takinogawa burdock seed, and how far apart?

Sow 1/4 inch deep and space plants 12 inches apart, with an ideal germination temperature of 65-85 F and seedlings in 7 to 14 days. Soaking the seed before sowing is recommended for this variety.

When is the Takinogawa root ready, and what is it like to cook with?

Harvest the root in fall or winter, any time the soil can be worked. Takinogawa is a late variety known for flavor and length, with a thin outer skin and crisp flesh that cooks beautifully and is a must for many Japanese dishes.

Customer reviews

4 / 5 6 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Easy to grow: Thrives on little attention, even in deep containers.

  • Very long roots: Roots run two feet or more; plant in deep, loose soil.

  • Mild, nutty flavor: Crunchy like a carrot raw and nutty when cooked.

  • Heads up: Plants get big and can self-seed; pull the burrs before they drop.

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