Asteraceae
Spiny Sowthistle: Edible Plant
Sonchus asper
Easy-to-grow hardy plant suitable for beginners. Grows rapidly in well-drained loamy soil with full sun to partial shade. Moderate watering requirement approximately every 2 days, keeping soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Very low maintenance.
Every 2 days
Direct sun
15° - 25°C
% - %
Categories
What is Spiny Sowthistle?
Spiny Sowthistle (Sonchus asper) is a easy-care plant from the Asteraceae family. Annual to biennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family, native to the Mediterranean region and naturalized throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Sonchus asper is a common edible weed with considerable nutritional and medicinal value. It grows 30-150 cm tall with erect, hollow stems, deeply lobe...
Spiny Sowthistle grows up to 1.5m, watering every 2 days, 15°C – 25°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Spiny Sowthistle tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Spiny Sowthistle is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Spiny Sowthistle?
TLDR: Spiny Sowthistle needs Direct sun, watering every 2 days, and temperatures between 15-25°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Spiny Sowthistle?
Water when soil surface begins to dry, maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging. Approximately 250 ml per watering. Overwatering causes root rot.
How Much Light Does Spiny Sowthistle Need?
Requires minimum 4-6 hours direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. Can tolerate partial shade but flowers prolifically in full sun.
What Is the Best Soil for Spiny Sowthistle?
Prefers well-draining loamy soil with pH 6.0-7.5. Incorporate organic matter to improve structure and nutrient retention.
What Pot Should You Use for Spiny Sowthistle?
Well-draining pots with generous drainage holes essential to prevent waterlogging.
What Is Spiny Sowthistle and Where Does It Come From?
Annual to biennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family, native to the Mediterranean region and naturalized throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Sonchus asper is a common edible weed with considerable nutritional and medicinal value. It grows 30-150 cm tall with erect, hollow stems, deeply lobed leaves with prickly spiny margins, and yellow flowers resembling dandelions. Young tender leaves and shoot tips are edible raw or cooked, providing fiber, proteins, vitamins (niacin, ascorbic acid, thiamine, riboflavin), and minerals (calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium).
How Big Does Spiny Sowthistle Grow?
TLDR: Spiny Sowthistle can reach up to 1.5m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
1.5m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Poultice for wounds and boils
- Traditional treatment for diabetes and urinary disorders
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Culinary Uses
- Young tender leaves raw in salads
- Cooked like spinach as a vegetable side
- Peeled stems eaten raw like celery
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Spiny Sowthistle?
TLDR: Spiny Sowthistle is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Compare with similar plants
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
