Species Edible Thistle
pink-grey flowers with lime leaves and lime-brown stems

Edible Thistle

Cirsium edule

Edible Thistle (Cirsium edule) is a biennial plant native to Europe and the Caucasus region. It's an impressive, intrepid species standing up to 2m tall with grey-green foliage and spiny, deeply divided leaves. Its branching stems are covered with a reddish-purple down and the flowers are yellow, pink or white in colour. The flower heads are edible and popular with foragers – being especially beneficial to bees and butterflies. It grows in full sun and in any well-drained soil, making it an ideal addition to any flower bed or garden. Furthermore, its attractive foliage and fragrant blooms make it a great companion for other herbaceous perennials.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

7

Flowers:

Purple|Pink Flowers

Sun:

Sun

Soil:

Clay, Sand, Loam

Fruits:

purple,black Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The edible thistle requires moderate amounts of water, but should not be allowed to stand in soggy soil. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. This typically occurs during the summer months at least once every 5 to 7 days, depending on temperature and humidity levels. In the winter months, every 2 or 3 weeks should be adequate. Apply enough water that it seeps down to the roots, but not so much that it pools in the pot.

sunlight

Edible Thistle (Cirsium edule) requires full sun exposures of 6 to 8 hours each day for optimum growth and health. It thrives best when exposed to direct sunlight from late morning to mid-afternoon; however, morning shade or partial shade is recommended during periods of extreme heat or extended periods of exposure to direct sunlight. While Edible Thistle does like direct light, it also benefits from indirect or filtered light for at least part of the day.

pruning

Edible Thistle should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Pruning should take place just before the new growth begins. Any dead or damaged stems should be either removed completely or pruned back to a healthy location. Any stems or branches that are overcrowded or crossing over each other should also be pruned. Pruning should be done lightly in order to maintain the natural shape of the plant. Once pruned, the shearing of the edible thistle plants should be done twice a year, once in mid spring and once in mid autumn. Doing this will help promote a bushy and fuller plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Edible Thistle typically starts flowering in June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Cirsium edule (Edible Thistle) typically begins in July and continues through August.

Hardiness Map