Greater burdock (gobo) Arctium lappa
Greater burdock (gobo) (Arctium lappa) is a biennial vegetable in the Asteraceae family, native to Temperate Eurasia. It grows 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Greater burdock (gobo) at a glance
| Type | Biennial vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 57–74 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 150 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: roots, young leaf stalks, young shoots |
| Native to | Temperate Eurasia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Greater burdock (gobo) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Roots are a staple vegetable in Japan; the burrs tangle in fur and can injure eyes and mouths.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Greater burdock (gobo)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Greater burdock (gobo)
- How far apart should I plant Greater burdock (gobo)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Greater burdock (gobo) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Greater burdock (gobo) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Greater burdock (gobo)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4. As a biennial it is usually planted out after the last frost and flowers in its second year.
- When does Greater burdock (gobo) flower?
- About 57–74 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Greater burdock (gobo) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Roots are a staple vegetable in Japan; the burrs tangle in fur and can injure eyes and mouths.
- What grows well with Greater burdock (gobo)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Greater burdock (gobo). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Grown in deep loose soil for long straight roots; harvested in the first autumn. Burrs spread widely if plants are allowed to seed.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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