How to Grow and Care for Field thistle

Field thistle, also known as Pasture Thistle, Prairie Thistle, Tall Thistle, Roadside Thistle, Discolor Thistle

Field thistle is a robust perennial that thrives with minimal attention, making it an easy-care plant. It prefers well-draining soil and tolerates a variety of moisture levels but should be watered during extended dry periods. One special care point for field thistle is to manage its spreading tendency, as it can self-seed aggressively. It's important to deadhead spent flowers to prevent unwanted propagation and maintain a tidy growth habit.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

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Planting and Growing Field thistle

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial, Biennial
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	6-7
Planting Time	Spring
Hardiness Zones	2-9

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Field thistle exhibits a spiny demeanor with a hairy stem and foliage equipped with sharp spines for defense. Typically adopting a basal rosette structure initially, this plant can soar to heights ranging between 3 to 10 feet (approximately 0.9 to 3 meters) by its second year. During its blooming phase in the second year, it unfurls flower heads with a flurry of bristly elements. Post-bloom, field thistle commonly concludes its lifecycle, although occasionally it may persist, delaying its flowering beyond the second year. Propagation occurs through seed dispersal.

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