Ruqayyah Snyder
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a biennial herb that can grow up to 1.5 metres tall. It is native to Europe and Asia and is considered invasive in some parts of the world, including certain areas of Australia. Due to its medicinal properties, specifically its benefits to liver health, some people may be interested in growing milk thistle. However, before planting, it is important to check local laws as milk thistle may be subject to control as a weed in certain parts of Australia. This article will provide a guide on how to grow milk thistle in Australia, including information on soil conditions, planting methods, and the potential risks associated with this invasive plant species.
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy seeds
Milk thistle, considered a weed, can be challenging to source. It is also highly invasive and toxic to livestock, so it is illegal to grow in some areas. If you are in Australia and want to buy milk thistle seeds, you can try the following sources:
Herbalistics
Herbalistics is a website that sells milk thistle seeds, and one user on Reddit recommended it as a great site for buying seeds locally.
Pleasance Herbs
Another local website recommended by a user on Reddit is Pleasance Herbs.
Alchemy Works
A user on Reddit mentioned that Alchemy Works had recently added milk thistle seeds to their menu.
Boondie Seeds
Boondie Seeds offers milk thistle seeds for sale, with approximately 15-20 seeds per purchase.
Before purchasing and planting milk thistle, be sure to check with your local government to ensure that it is legal to do so in your area.
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How to plant seeds
Milk thistle is considered invasive in some areas, so it is important to check local laws before planting. In February or March, you can either direct sow milk thistle seeds in your garden or start the seeds indoors in containers. If you are planting directly in your garden, plant the seeds about 1/4" deep in organic seed starting mix. Maintain lightly damp soil (not wet) and temperatures around 70°F (21°C) until the seeds have germinated. If you are starting the seeds indoors, use biodegradable or deep plastic cells. Immediately after germination, your milk thistle seedlings will need direct sunlight. You can grow milk thistle in most types of soil, even poor soil, but well-drained soil in full sun is best. Fertilize frequently in the warmer months.
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How to care for seedlings
Milk thistle is considered invasive in some areas, so it is important to check with your local government to see if it is legal to plant them in your garden. If you do decide to grow milk thistle, you will need to commit to harvesting 100% of the flower heads before they begin to drop seeds to prevent the plants from spreading.
You can start your seeds indoors in biodegradable or deep plastic cells in February or March. Plant the seeds about 1/4-inch deep in organic seed mix soil and maintain lightly damp soil and temperatures around 70°F (21°C) until they germinate. Milk thistle seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Germination should occur within 10-20 days.
Once your seeds have germinated, your milk thistle seedlings will need direct sunlight. At this point, you can leave them outdoors if the temperature is above frost/freezing and bring them inside if it goes below freezing. Transplant your seedlings outdoors as soon as the last frost date has passed to prevent their long taproots from getting too wrapped around the seedling cells.
Milk thistle plants can get quite large, so be sure to choose a planting location that is not a high-traffic spot, especially if you have pets or children. The leaves, stems, and flower heads have sharp spikes that can be painful.
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How to harvest
Milk thistle is considered invasive and toxic to livestock, so it's important to commit to harvesting 100% of the flower heads before they begin to drop seeds to prevent the plants from spreading. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to harvest milk thistle:
Protective Gear
Milk thistle has sharp, prickly leaves and spines, so it is important to wear protective clothing and gloves when harvesting.
Harvesting
The best time to harvest milk thistle is in the fall when the flowers start to dry out and turn brown. Cut the flower heads from the stalks using sharp scissors or pruning shears, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) of the stalk for easier handling. Harvest as many flower heads as desired.
Drying
Place the harvested flower heads in a paper bag and leave them to dry for about 5 to 7 days in a warm and sunny place. The seeds will be ready when they are completely dry and begin to loosen from the flower heads.
Seed Separation
Once the seeds are dry, transfer them to a burlap or rough canvas sack. Shake the bag and push down gently to separate the seeds from the flower heads. Then, pour the seeds into a bucket or bowl.
Storage
To store the seeds, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place. Properly stored seeds can last for up to a year.
Other Parts of the Plant
While the seeds are the most commonly harvested part of the milk thistle, other parts of the plant can also be used. The leaves can be cooked and eaten like spinach, but it is advisable to cut off the spines first. The young flower stems can be eaten, and the immature flowers can be used to make sun tea. The roots of young plants can also be cooked and eaten.
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Health benefits
Milk thistle has been used for thousands of years to treat various ailments, particularly liver problems. The plant is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, but has been naturalized in Australia and the Americas. The seeds are the primary source of the plant's medicinal properties, which are renowned for aiding liver health. The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, a mixture of compounds that has been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrogenic, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory effects.
Milk thistle has been shown to have a positive effect on degenerative liver diseases and may be useful in treating liver diseases such as alcohol-related liver disease, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and liver problems caused by cancer chemotherapy, low oxygen levels, or toxins. However, results from clinical trials have been conflicting or too limited to allow for conclusive evidence.
In addition to its potential benefits for liver health, milk thistle may also have other health benefits. Some studies suggest that it may be useful in preventing or delaying bone loss in postmenopausal women and ovariectomized rats. It has also been studied for its potential in reducing the side effects of cancer treatments and boosting the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Milk thistle has also been traditionally used to increase breast milk production and treat indigestion. However, it is important to note that little is known about whether it is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before use.
Overall, milk thistle shows potential as a complementary therapy for various conditions, but more high-quality research is needed to define the doses and clinical effects of this herb. It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any herbal supplement, especially if you are taking any medications, as milk thistle can interact with certain drugs.
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Frequently asked questions
Milk thistle seeds can be purchased from online nurseries such as Herbalistics, Pleasance Herbs, and Alchemy Works.
Milk thistle can be grown in most types of soil, even poor soil. Sow the seeds in a rich soil mix in spring/summer, ensuring the soil is well-drained and positioned in full sun. Fertilise frequently during the warmer months. Maintain lightly damp soil and temperatures of around 21°C until the seeds germinate. After germination, the seedlings will need direct sunlight.
Milk thistle is considered invasive in some areas and may be subject to control as a weed in certain parts of Australia. It is also toxic to livestock. Before planting, check with your local government to ensure it is legal and take care to harvest 100% of the flower heads before they release seeds to prevent the plant from spreading.
