Burdock – Ha Gobo

Burdock – Ha Gobo

• Growing Temp 50°F – 75°F

• Days to Maturity 90-120 days

Ease of Cultivation and Culinary Use: Ha Gobo is a distinctive burdock variety prized for its tender, flavorful roots and edible leaves. This vegetable is moderately challenging to grow, as it requires a long growing season and well-drained, fertile soil. Ha Gobo is commonly used in Asian cuisines, especially in soups, stir-fries, and salads, where it adds a unique texture and earthy flavor.

Direct Sowing: For direct sowing, plant Ha Gobo burdock seeds outdoors in early spring after the last expected frost when soil temperatures are consistently around 50°F. Sow the seeds about ½ inch deep and spaced 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 18–24 inches apart. Germination typically occurs within 10–14 days. It is crucial to keep the soil evenly moist while ensuring good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to provide adequate space for the roots to grow long and robust.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: To start early, sow Ha Gobo burdock seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost. Use seedling trays filled with quality potting mix, placing 2-3 seeds per cell. Maintain a temperature of 65–75°F to encourage germination. Once seedlings have their first true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, transplant them into the garden. Space the transplants about 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 18–24 inches apart. Water them well after planting and consider adding mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting: To determine when Ha Gobo is ready for harvest, look for roots that are about 1 inch in diameter and at least 10-12 inches long, typically ready within 90-120 days after sowing. Harvesting can be done in late fall or early winter when the roots have developed their best flavor. Use a garden fork or spade to carefully loosen the soil around the roots before pulling them up to prevent damage. Ha Gobo can be stored in a cool, dry place for several weeks, but it is best used fresh to enjoy its full flavor.