Bull Thistle typically starts flowering in June.
Bull Thistle
Cirsium vulgare
Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a stout, broad-leaved perennial of the sunflower family. It has a single, upright, unbranched stem reaching up to 3' in height topped by a single, purple flower head. The large, soft leaves are deeply incised and covered in spiny, white hairs. The thistle has a long taproot and is well adapted to a wide range of habitats including disturbed soils, pastures, woodland, and roadsides. Bull Thistle is native to Europe and Asia, but can now be found around the world. Its spines and bitter taste deter grazing animals, giving it a competitive advantage in environments with heavy grazing.
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Root Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
Flowers:
Purple Flowers
Sun:
part sun/part shade,full sun
Soil:
Clay, Sand
Fruits:
brown,black Fruits Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Poisonous To Pets:
Yes
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) should be kept moist but not soaked for best results. Water once a week, preferably in the morning. If the soil is dry to the touch, water more frequently. Avoid over-watering by allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Make sure to water evenly throughout the soil, and avoid wetting the leaves.
sunlight
Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) thrives in sunny locations with at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It does best in areas with full sun or a combination of sun and partial shade throughout the day, especially in hotter climates. To promote strong and healthy growth, the plant should be exposed to strong, direct light for the majority of each day. During the hottest part of the summer, Cirsium vulgare can tolerate some light shade during the day to avoid sunburn or heat stress.
pruning
Bull thistles (Cirsium vulgare) require minimal pruning during the growing season. They are best pruned back in late summer or early fall, before the ground freezes. This light pruning helps to keep the plant's size under control and improve air circulation and light penetration. Cut off the flower heads before they go to seed to discourage self-seeding. Pruning should be done with scissors or hand pruners, as Bull thistles have sharp, prickly leaves and stems. Remove all damaged leaves and stems to help promote healthy growth.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Harvest Fruit
The harvesting season for Cirsium vulgare (Bull Thistle) typically begins in July and continues through August.
