A magnificent plant. The Scotch Thistle - the National flower of Scotland. Can reach feet in height. It has large triangular stems and huge silver blue leaves that will stand out from a great distance. Add to this the lovely purple violet flowers and this makes a plant that attracts everyone to admire it.
It makes a wonderful focal point plant and is very easy to grow. It needs sunlight and water but is happy on poor soil and due to the very nasty spines is not troubled by any animals. It's a biennial so to keep a display going it is necessary to plant every year but its well worth it. The flowers are loved by butterflies and bees and the goldfinches love the seeds.
Scotch thistles can get out of control and in some areas are considered a noxious weed, while in others a wonderful majestic plant that needs to be protected. Take care to control the seeds by deadheading your plant to ensure it does not drop seed and get away from your garden.
Growing Scotch Thistle Onopordum acanthium from seed. A very tough plant that can add a lot of drama to the garden. However the tough seeds can also be a little erratic in germination. Scotch thistles are used to tough environments so they often need some of that toughness to get them started. Some seeds will germinate readily and immediately while others may need stratification with cold either moist or dry soil before they will germinate.
It is not uncommon for some seeds to finally grow in the third year after stratification but most generally grow after the first cold winter. Once started the seedlings tend to grow slowly to begin creating a solid rootstock the first year ready to flower in the second. The wait is well worth it. Seeds can be sown directly into the desired spot or they can be sown in pots and later transplanted.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each method. Sowing directly. Pick your location well because once the rootstock has formed scotch thistles don't like to be transplanted. Clear the ground and plant seeds directly. Space at about at least 24 - 30 inches as plants can get quite large and ground leaves can be quite expansive. Keep area clear of weeds until seedlings have begun to grow well.
All seedlings may take two years to germinate. Its easy to plant and you don't have to bother with any special stratification during the winter months let nature do it for you.
We think these physical attributes make the hardy and beautiful thistle the perfect Scottish Emblem, don't you? There's something for everyone - including YOU! Scottish At Heart. The Scottish Thistle - Beautifully Bold! A little something Scottish Scottish Thistle Celtic Mug. Scottish Wooden Nutcracker. Scottish Genealogy. Roundup and Roundup are available from the Pitchcare Store. Legend has it that a sleeping party of Scots warriors were saved from ambush by an invading Norse army when one of the attackers trod on a thistle with his bare feet.
His cries raised the alarm, the roused Scots duly defeated the invaders, and the thistle was adopted as the symbol of Scotland. The long and winding poem, in which MacDiarmid contemplates the state of the nation, varies in tone between mysterious, lyrical, serious and comic. The thistle emblem is widely used across Scotland, from the international rugby team's strip, businesses and organisations to the emblems of police constabularies and football teams.
Unappealing as thistles might seem as a food, leaves, roots and seed heads can be eaten once the prickles are removed, and milk thistle is highly regarded by herbalists for use in treating liver conditions.
Identifying the enemy The Cirsium members of the thistle family are the most widespread and commonly found as weeds. Going into battle The biennial thistles are relatively easily controlled as they emanate from a single tap root.
Control with Roundup As with all perennial broad-leaved weeds, Thistles are best controlled with Roundup just as they come into flower and before seed set or senescence.
Case study Complete Weed Control offers a nationwide specialist contract service for the eradication of all problem weeds. Prickly facts! The thistle is the emblem of the Scottish nation. A small cluster of plants can either spread immediately or over many years.
Because the seeds remain viable in the soil for so many years, patches in your garden may already harbour a large seed bank in the soil below the plant.
It also grows in irrigation ditches on rangelands and in gardens. The seeds contain a water-soluble germination inhibitor, so it is often successful in moist areas that are adjacent to riparian or areas along stream courses.
Management Strategy: As a resident, you can help control the spread of this invasive species by removing all plants from your property. Plants can be cut, taking care to prevent seed spread, and then the roots dug up.
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