Sonchus oleraceus aka Common Milk Thistle

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Common Milk Thistle due to its easy-going nature.

Common Milk Thistle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Common Milk Thistle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Common Milk Thistle thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Common Sow Thistle.

During the wintertime, it's common for Common Milk Thistle to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

The Common Milk Thistle should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Common Milk Thistle grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Common Milk Thistle’s native range is Europe, including Britain, south and east from Scandanavia to N. Africa, N. and W. Asia.