Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is totally awesome. I got my seeds from somewhere else. So, these may differ slightly. Anyway, some of my seeds germinated very quickly (2 or 3 days). Some took much longer. They were very easy to grow. Some plants also got bigger than others. My seedlings stayed pretty small for weeks, but then they got nice big leaves. The leaves are edible and taste like lettuce no matter how large they are (but larger leaves are more prickly, with more fibrous central veins; most of each leaf is still tender when large, though). If you chew the prickles up (which are not fibrous), they are no longer prickly. You can cut around the leaves with scissors to remove the prickles (it's not tedious). The plants are highly ornamental, even on a hamburger. Slugs and aphids may enjoy them. They reseed easily and are frost hardy. Mine were still alive and looking green when it snowed on them in December (I don't know if they're still green under it). Seeds, leaves and roots are edible.

This architectural plant has multiple benefits besides being down right beautiful. If you can bring yourself to sacrifice one of the flowers for a boutonniere you will be noticed, guaranteed. Might not get many hugs. Also, if planted close together it will still be productive of flowers and seeds but will also deter cats from digging and/or vulturing around your bird feeders. Works in nicely with a moon garden if it can receive evening light from an outdoor fixture. The white veins and waxy finish on the leaves are stunning when they reflect from those little solar powered border lamps. A great plant but be sure to allow it good drainage or plant in large containers if you have soggy ground.

I love the colourful pattern on the leaves. I haven't had any problems with being invasive because I harvest the seeds.

They re-seed so fast can't keep up. Have to pull them up but it is quite hard long root.

I was excited to see the tiger-patterned green and white leaves spreading out after germination. Now, they have turned into small bushes 2-3' high, and the purple flowers are gorgeous, extending from thin and long stems topped by spiky balls. I have yet to make a tonic with the seeds, but I will look up the method and try it. The seeds are attached to puffs like a dandelion, so I am assuming these will reseed well. Of course, the leaves are prickly, so don't touch!