Goat's-beard (Tragopogon minor)
Care, watering, light and tips for Goat's-beard on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
About Goat's-beard
Tragopogon minor, commonly known as Lesser Goat's-beard, is a biennial or short-lived perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is characterized by its solitary, pale yellow flower heads that open in the morning and close by midday, and its narrow, grass-like linear leaves. This plant is an excellent addition to wild meadows, naturalistic gardens, and sunny borders, where its flowers attract pollinators.
Native range
Europe and Western Asia
Care tips
It prefers full sun exposure or light partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soils, though it favors well-drained and not excessively rich ones. Watering should be moderate, allowing the top layer of the substrate to dry out between waterings, and it is quite drought-tolerant once established. A common mistake is attempting to grow it in very wet or shady soils, which can lead to poor growth and lack of flowering.
How to save a dying Goat's-beard
- Warning signs
- Wilting or yellowing leaves, soft or drooping stem, no flowering.
- First aid
- Move to a sunnier spot if in shade. Check drainage and water moderately.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot or complete lack of light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it's quite resilient. With proper care, it can recover.