Cabbage Thistle
Cirsium oleraceum
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Pl. 2C05 — Cirsium oleraceum
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IOverview
Overview
Cabbage Thistle (Cirsium oleraceum) is a perennial plant native to regions including Altay, Austria, and the Baltic States. It thrives in moist to wet soils of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) textures with a pH between 7 and 7.5. This thistle grows up to 1.2 meters tall and is known for its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to forage and culinary uses. Its native range extends across Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia, including Belarus, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. The plant's distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow in various habitats, contributing to its widespread distribution.
Quick answers
What is Cabbage Thistle?
Cabbage Thistle (Cirsium oleraceum) is a perennial plant native to regions including Altay, Austria, and the Baltic States. It thrives in moist to wet soils of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) textures with a pH between 7 and 7.5. This thistle grows up to 1.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cabbage Thistle is a perennial plant that thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7-7.5. It requires full sun to partial shade and grows up to 1.2 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil is well-draining but retains moisture, as it needs consistent watering. Propagate through division in spring or from seed sown directly in the garden after the last frost. Harvest its edible leaves for use in cooking. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and can be found naturally in various European and Asian countries.
Light
5/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.2 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Cabbage Thistle for the first time
8steps
Start with Cabbage Thistle as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A packet of seeds or young plants, a trowel, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil. Amend your garden bed with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep in rows 60 cm apart. Transplant young plants 30-45 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding. Harvest leaves as needed for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too dry soil, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough space between plants, and failing to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:leaves
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oilFire starter
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
28 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
28 native · 2 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 28 native· 2 introduced
Europe21 regions
native (19)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyHungaryItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
introduced (2)FinlandIreland
Asia1 region
native (1)Kazakhstan
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 2c0551b1-45c0-47a7-8a21-59c8d1018013
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