Slender sowthistle
Sonchus tenerrimus · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant slender sowthistle: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Form
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-July)
- Adult size
- 30 to 80 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous, tender green and toothed
- Hardiness
- Not very hardy, prefers temperate climate
- Origin
- Mediterranean region
- Growth
- Fast
Care
Light exposure
Delicate sowthistle appreciates sun or partial shade. In warm regions, partial afternoon shade prevents excessive drying. Install it in a bright location to promote balanced development.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but well-drained, especially during active growth periods. Reduce watering in winter or cool weather. Avoid standing water which promotes rot. Regular and moderate watering works better than occasional excess.
Soil
Delicate sowthistle adapts to most well-drained soils, even poor or slightly chalky ones. Light and fertile soil accelerates growth. Improve drainage by adding sand or gravel if necessary.
Pruning and pinching
No strict pruning necessary, but pinching young stems encourages branching and creates a more compact habit. Remove faded flowers to extend flowering. At the end of its cycle, it can self-seed naturally if seeds mature.
Fertilizing
Not demanding in terms of nutrition, it can make do with a single balanced fertilizer application in spring. In pots or poor soil, light monthly feeding during growth can support vigor. Avoid excess which would favor foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pests and diseases
Delicate sowthistle is generally robust. Watch for powdery mildew in hot and dry weather. Slugs and snails enjoy tender young leaves, especially in humid climates. Good air circulation and appropriate drainage prevent most fungal problems.
Did you know?
The Sonchus genus has been known since Antiquity: Pliny the Elder called it "hare's herb" because it was believed that these animals fed on it to enhance their agility. Delicate sowthistle, with its particularly tender and succulent leaves, was once harvested as a wild plant in the Mediterranean basin, before becoming a curiosity ornamental in the gardens of enthusiasts of light and delicate plants.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.