Silybum marianum
Milk thistle
Photo: C T Johansson · CC BY 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
The milk thistle, botanically Silybum marianum, is immediately recognizable by its glossy green, white‑marbled foliage and the bold violet thistle flowers that appear from July onward. Originally from the Mediterranean, it thrives in sunny, dry sites and has been used for centuries as a traditional liver tonic. The sharply serrated leaves bear fine spines, so it is best handled with gloves. The plant is non‑poisonous to children and pets, though the spines can sting, so it is advisable to place it a bit away from play areas.
Care instructions
Choose a full‑sun, warm spot with well‑drained, somewhat sandy soil; the milk thistle does poorly in damp conditions. Sow directly in the garden from mid‑April to May. It develops a deep taproot early on and is difficult to transplant later. Water sparingly once the seedlings have established; the plant tolerates extended dry periods. Keep the bed weed‑free during the first few weeks; thereafter the spiny foliage will suppress competition. Harvest the flower heads as soon as they open, using sturdy gloves to protect against the spines.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, lean, lime-loving, dry
Feeding
Light feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
carrot family (Apiaceae)
Calendula and Tagetes next to carrots keep the carrot fly away with their scent.
For example Carrotcelery rootDillParsleyCarrot fennelCoriander and 19 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
Rather not
nightshade family (Solanaceae)
Sunflowers release substances into the soil that inhibit potato tuber growth, and they also compete for water and nutrients.
For example PotatoTomatoSweet pepperCocktail tomatoEggplantCape gooseberry and 9 more species in the catalogue
Source: basic crop-rotation rule
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
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