Prickly sow thistle (Sonchus asper)
Care, watering, light and tips for Prickly sow thistle on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
About Prickly sow thistle
Sonchus asper, commonly known as prickly sowthistle, is a robust annual or biennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. It features glossy, spiny leaves, often with prominent lobes, and produces yellow, dandelion-like flowers. This wild plant can add a naturalistic and rustic touch to roadsides or country-style gardens, although it is often considered a 'weed'.
Native range
Europe, Asia, and northern Africa
Care tips
Prickly sowthistle thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly adaptable to various soil types, preferring well-drained conditions. It does not require regular watering once established, being quite drought-tolerant. A common mistake to avoid is growing it in small pots, as it develops a deep taproot, making it difficult to transplant and prone to stress. To control it in the garden, it's best to uproot it before it flowers and produces seeds.
How to save a dying Prickly sow thistle
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or wilting leaves, soft or drooping stem, lack of growth.
- First aid
- Check watering, ensure no waterlogging or extreme dryness. Provide indirect light if overexposed to sun.
- What kills it
- Overwatering or compacted soil suffocating roots. Also intense direct sun in hot climates.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it's a resilient plant. With quick changes in watering and location, it usually recovers well.