How to Grow Sonchus Oleraceus | Common Sowthistle Care

Sonchus Oleraceus is a sweet little plant that you can grow in your backyard as a specimen that’s really easy to maintain and care for!

The gorgeous Sonchus Oleraceus is well known as being a livestock forage for cattle. This plant has yellow flowers that match really well with its dark green foliage. Let’s have a look at its growing details.

Learn how to grow Erigeron Canadensis here

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Sonchus Oleraceus Information

Sonchus Oleraceus is a versatile plant found worldwide in temperate regions. Often considered a weed, this plant offers more than meets the eye. Its tender leaves are edible and can be used in salads or cooked like spinach, while its yellow flowers attract pollinators.

Sonchus oleraceus has a rich history in traditional medicine, with potential anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Nutrient-rich, it provides vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.

Common Names: Hare’s-lettuce, Milk thistle, Sow thistle, Dudhi

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Propagating Sonchus Oleraceus

1. Collect Seeds: Look for mature seed heads. The seed heads are fluffy and have a white, feathery appearance. Harvest them when they have turned brown and dry.
2. Prepare Seed Trays or Pots: Fill seed trays or small pots with a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the containers have drainage holes at the bottom.
3. Sow the Seeds: Scatter the Sonchus oleraceus seeds over the surface of the potting mix. Gently press them into the soil but avoid burying them too deep, as they require light to germinate.
4. Watering: Moisten the potting mix with water, ensuring it is evenly damp but not waterlogged. Maintain moist conditions throughout the germination period.
5. Provide Light and Warmth: Place the seed trays or pots in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Sonchus oleraceus seeds prefer warm temperatures for germination, ideally around 21-27°C.
6. Germination: With consistent moisture and warmth, the Sonchus oleraceus seeds should germinate within 7-14 days. Be patient and continue to provide the necessary conditions.
7. Transplanting: Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or the desired garden location. Ensure they have enough space to grow.
8. Care and Maintenance: Water the seedlings regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Place them in a location with full sun or partial shade. Sonchus oleraceus is adaptable to different soil types but prefers well-draining soil. Weed around the seedlings to prevent competition.
9. Growth and Harvest: As the Sonchus oleraceus plants grow, they will produce leaves that can be harvested for culinary purposes. Harvest the leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavor.

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Requirements to Grow Sonchus Oleraceus

Sunlight

Sonchus oleraceus thrives in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. While it is adaptable to different light conditions, providing it with at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day is recommended for optimal growth.

Soil

Sonchus oleraceus can adapt to a variety of soil types but prefers well-draining soil for optimal growth. It thrives in fertile soil that is rich in organic matter, as this provides essential nutrients for its development.

The pH level of the soil should ideally be neutral to slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Prior to planting, it is beneficial to prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds or debris.

Watering

When it comes to watering Sonchus oleraceus, it is important to maintain consistent moisture in the soil without overwatering. The plant prefers slightly moist soil but is tolerant of periods of drought.

Water the plants regularly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging or saturating the soil excessively.

Check out the rules for watering the garden here

Temperature and Humidity

The common Sow thistle prefers temperate climates with moderate temperatures. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 15°C (60°F) and 24°C (75°F). However, it can tolerate both higher and lower temperatures. It can withstand mild frost and can continue to grow during cooler seasons.

It can tolerate a wide range of humidity conditions, from moderate to high levels. However, it generally prefers moderate humidity levels around 40% to 60%. In drier conditions, providing adequate irrigation and moisture to the soil can help compensate for lower humidity levels.

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Taking Care of Sonchus Oleraceus

Fertilizer

Sonchus oleraceus, or Common Sowthistle, benefits from regular fertilization to support its growth and overall health. Prior to planting, incorporate well-rotted compost or organic matter into the soil to improve its fertility.

During the growing season, you can supplement with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Dilute the feed to 1/2 of its strength.

Learn why adding Manure and Fertilizers to the plants is beneficial here

Pruning

Pruning Sonchus oleraceus, or Common Sowthistle, is not typically necessary for its growth. However, if you want to encourage bushier growth or control the plant’s size, you can selectively prune it.

Trim back any excessively long or straggly stems to maintain a more compact form. Additionally, you can harvest the leaves regularly for culinary purposes.

Pest and Diseases

Sonchus oleraceus is generally a hardy plant with good resistance to pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by common garden pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails.

Control measures can include handpicking pests, using organic insecticidal soaps or neem oil

As for diseases, Sonchus oleraceus is not highly susceptible, but it can be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or leaf spot. To prevent fungal issues, ensure proper air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and maintain a healthy growing environment.