Milk Thistle

Silybum marianum

                          ***Can not be shipped to Washington State***

Milk Thistle forms a rosette of leaves often 3 feet across. Color is a distinctive dark green variegated with white. The bluish-purple seed head reaches a height of 4 feet. Young leaves can be eaten as greens and the root is similar to salsify. Said to be good for the liver.

50 seeds

Perennial , Zone 3-9

Germination:  14-21 days, 

Seed Planting Depth: 1/4"

Starting Indoors/Outdoors:  Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide 60-65 degree soil temperatures. Transplant  18-24" apart. Sow outdoors in spring when soil warms. Sow a few seeds every 4-6",  thin to 18-24" apart.

Light Needs:  Full sun 

Soil Needs:  Milk Thistle needs average to fertile, well drained to wet soil

Uses:  Medicinal, culinary, ornamental, attracts bees and beneficials