Sonchus asper
TAXONOMY
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusSonchus
Zone6
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Sonchus asper, commonly known as prickly sow-thistle, is an annual plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe and western Asia but has spread to many other parts of the world. The plant is characterized by its spiny leaves and yellow flowers. It thrives in temperate climates and is often found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and fields.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Prickly Sow-Thistle
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity60%
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Sonchus asper is relatively easy to care for. It prefers bright, direct sunlight and moderate temperatures. The plant does well in environments with moderate humidity. Regular watering is necessary, but the soil should be allowed to dry out partially between waterings.Soil
Sonchus asper prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but thrives best in nutrient-rich soil. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
This plant does not have specific fertilizer requirements. If desired, a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied sparingly during the growing season.Repotting
Sonchus asper is an annual plant and does not require repotting. It completes its life cycle within one growing season.Propagation
Sonchus asper can be propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds directly into the soil in early spring. The seeds require light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil.Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Sonchus asper. However, removing spent flowers can help prevent self-seeding and control the spread of the plant.Toxicity
Sonchus asper is not toxic to pets or humans. However, its spiny leaves can cause minor skin irritation if handled without care.Additional
Sonchus asper is often considered a weed due to its rapid growth and ability to spread. It can be beneficial in some ecosystems as it provides food for pollinators.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
