Common sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus)
Care, watering, light and tips for Common sowthistle on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
About Common sowthistle
Sonchus oleraceus, commonly known as common sowthistle or annual sowthistle, is a wild annual plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, often considered an 'edible weed'. It is characterized by its bright green, lobed leaves forming a basal rosette and its small yellow flowers resembling those of dandelions. Although often found in roadsides and fields, its young leaves are nutritious and can be added to salads or cooked as a leafy green.
Native range
Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa
Care tips
This highly adaptable plant requires no specific care, thriving in a wide range of conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, though it tolerates poor and compacted soils. Watering is not necessary once established, as it is drought-tolerant; it's only recommended if a more tender leaf production is desired. A common mistake to avoid is attempting to grow it indoors as an ornamental plant, as its wild nature makes it unsuitable for this purpose.
How to save a dying Common sowthistle
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or wilting leaves, soft and drooping stems, stunted growth.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture; if potted, consider repotting to a larger one if root-bound.
- What kills it
- Overwatering leading to root rot or extreme drought on hot days, as it's sensitive to prolonged dryness.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly to correct watering and light conditions, it can recover easily.