Information About Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum, English: Milk thistle) is a plant that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions. The name “milk thistle” refers to the white, milky veins that run through its dark green leaves. This plant belongs to the Asteraceae family and originally grew in southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor. Over time, it spread across many regions in North and South America, and it can also grow wild, especially in rocky and dry environments.
Warning: Milk thistle grows aggressively in pastures and is difficult to eliminate. The major concern is that the plant is toxic to livestock.
Characteristics of Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is easily recognized by its large, hairless, dark green leaves marked with distinctive white veins, unlike other thistle species. The plant grows to a height of 50–150 cm and features an upright stem with branches only near the top. Like many thistles, it has a deep, thick root, and grows above ground in a rosette form from which the flowering stem emerges.
- The leaves can reach up to 40 cm long.
- The flowers begin to appear between July and August. They are round, tubular, thread-like, and often colored purple.
- The flowers produce large amounts of pollen and nectar, attracting wild bees.
- After pollination, the plant forms glossy black seeds with hard shells and brown spots.
Environmental Conditions Needed for Milk Thistle
Here are the ideal conditions for proper growth:
Light
Milk thistle requires full direct sunlight for healthy growth.
Soil
It can grow in most soil types, even in very poor soils, as long as the soil is well-drained.
Temperature
The optimal germination temperature for milk thistle seeds ranges between 18–23°C.
Important Tips When Planting Milk Thistle
Milk thistle can be invasive in some regions due to its deep roots, making it difficult to control. It may also absorb nutrients from surrounding plants, so choose the planting location carefully.
Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil so they can still receive the sunlight needed for germination.
Plant four seeds per 30 cm in early spring or late autumn, then thin the seedlings until the final spacing between each plant is 60–90 cm.
