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Also known as
Common Sowthistle, Common Sowthistle, Sow thistle, Common sowthistle, Smooth sow thistle, Annual sow thistle, Hare's colwort, Hare's thistle, Milky tassel, Milk thistle, Soft thistle and Swinies
Taxonomy
Sonchus oleraceus
Sonchus
Asteraceae
Asterales

How to care for Sonchus Oleraceus

How often to water your Sonchus Oleraceus

every 9
Sonchus Oleraceus needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Common Sowthistle in your home

a window
Sonchus Oleraceus love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Sonchus Oleraceus does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Sonchus Oleraceus in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Sonchus Oleraceus

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Sonchus Oleraceus after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Sonchus Oleraceus is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Water Needs
Sonchus Oleraceus prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Sonchus Oleraceus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Soil
Sonchus Oleraceus does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Sonchus Oleraceus should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Growth Pattern
Sonchus Oleraceus grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Sonchus Oleraceus can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 6a-9b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
The seeds of Sonchus Oleraceus can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.
Care Summary for Sonchus Oleraceus
Sonchus Oleraceus
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
