Sonchus oleraceus

Sonchus oleraceus, more commonly known as sow thistle, is an edible perennial native to Europe and Western Asia.  Typically considered a nuisance, sow thistle is a common seed crop contaminant and has been carried by humans to almost every part of the world.  Toothed, arrow-shaped dark green leaves grow out from upright, towering stems.  From each of the erect stems, several blooms filled with bright yellow florets emerge, providing a pop of color to their surroundings.  Once introduced, sow thistle plants spread quickly due to their expedient flowering time and resilient seeds, which can remain dormant for several years and still produce a healthy plant.  Multiple cultures have utilized sow thistle to create herbal medicines for the treatment of a multitude of ailments.  Young sow thistle leaves can be eaten raw in a salad, and the mature leaves can be steamed or boiled to reduce their bitterness.  Shoots of young roots can also be used as a coffee alternative.  

Plant sow thistle in a location that receives copious sunshine, and place them directly under a brightly lit window when grown indoors.  Sow thistle grows happily in most soil conditions, and supplying a standard garden or potting soil mix will provide all the nutrients one needs.  Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as sow thistle is susceptible to root rot and requires little water to thrive.  To prevent sow thistle from growing in unwanted places, remove the flower heads before they begin to produce seeds.  Regular pruning with clean shears is safe year-round and may be necessary to keep the plants' growth in check.  When planted in a healthy soil mixture, sow thistle will not require any fertilizing.  Learn more in the Plant Story community!

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water sparingly, allowing the mix to nearly dry out between watering.

Sonchus Oleraceus

Sonchus oleraceus

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