Milk Thistle – Seeds

(Silybum marianum)

Milk Thistle is a striking biennial plant known for its spiny, variegated leaves and vibrant purple thistle flowers. Traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, especially for liver support, it also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant, it adds both beauty and utility to gardens.

Why Grow Milk Thistle?

• Striking purple thistle flowers with spiny, variegated leaves

• Traditionally used for medicinal purposes

• Attracts bees and butterflies

• Drought-tolerant and easy to grow

Key Features

• Type: Biennial

• Height: 100–150 cm

• Flowers: Summer

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Ideal For

• Medicinal and herbal gardens

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Ornamental borders and wildlife gardens

• Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscapes

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Sow outdoors: April–May in prepared soil

• Germination: 10–20 days at 18–20°C

• Spacing: 50–60 cm apart

• Care: Minimal; water moderately and remove weeds