Sonchus oleraceus Seeds | Smooth Sow-thistle

Sonchus oleraceus seed

LATIN NAME: Sonchus oleraceus

COMMON NAME: Smooth Sow-thistle

Plant Profile

A distinctive member of its genus, Smooth Sow-thistle (Sonchus oleraceus) is an upright, annual in the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to Europe, including britain, south and east from scandinavia to north Africa, north and west Asia. In time it steadily becomes a rounded crown, reaching 5-10 metres. Site it in full sun, in deep, fertile ground. In good conditions it grows to around 5-10 metres. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.

Science & Biotechnology

As part of the daisy family, Sonchus oleraceus contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. For a plant of such familiarity, common sowthistle has a rich and growing record of research. Because it has been grown for so long, its garden habits are thoroughly documented.

Uses & Benefits

Gardeners value Smooth Sow-thistle for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Ecologically, common sowthistle is a generous plant of the fields. Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sow-thistle Asteraceae: biennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). After the first season it asks for very little beyond a place that suits it.

Sow thistles are mineral-rich wild greens eaten around the Mediterranean and in China, where they are folk cooling herbs; the tender young leaves are the pick.

Growing from Seed

Smooth Sow-thistle grows readily from seed. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in full sun with steady moisture. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.

Our Take

Smooth Sow-thistle repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.

Herb Seeds