Spotted Golden Thistle
Scolymus maculatus
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Pl. 303C — Scolymus maculatus
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IOverview
Overview
Spotted Golden Thistle (Scolymus maculatus) is an annual forb or herb that thrives in a variety of environments across Europe and North Africa, from Algeria to Turkey. Native to regions including Algeria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Cyprus, this plant has adapted to diverse habitats such as dry and moist soils, light sandy to heavy clay conditions. It grows up to 1 meter tall and is known for its edible leaves and roots, making it a useful addition to gardens or landscapes where its distinctive spotted appearance can be appreciated. Its hardiness ranges from zones 6-9, and it prefers a soil pH of 7.5–8.
Quick answers
What is Spotted Golden Thistle?
Spotted Golden Thistle (Scolymus maculatus) is an annual forb or herb that thrives in a variety of environments across Europe and North Africa, from Algeria to Turkey.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Spotted Golden Thistle thrives in light to medium soil that can be sandy, loamy, or clayey, with a pH of 7.5–8. The plant prefers dry to moist conditions and is hardy in temperate regions, zones 6-9. It requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. For best results, sow seeds directly into the garden soil after the last frost. Harvest edible parts such as leaves and roots when needed. This annual can grow up to 1 meter tall and is native to a wide range of Mediterranean countries.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Spotted Golden Thistle for the first time
8steps
Start with Spotted Golden Thistle as a simple annual herb in your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or direct planting area, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds outdoors after the last frost, or start them indoors about 4 weeks before the last expected frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 7.5–8. Ensure containers are at least 15 cm deep if planting in pots.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.6 cm deep, spaced about 30 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to help the young plants establish themselves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize lightly with compost once a month.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms and remove any yellowed leaves to keep the plant healthy.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough light, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The Spotted Golden Thistle is edible and its leaves and roots can be consumed. The leaves are typically eaten raw or cooked, while the roots may be boiled or dried for later use. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
29 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
29 native · 1 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 29 native· 1 introduced
Europe10 regions
native (10)BelgiumBulgariaCyprusFranceGermanyGreeceItalyPortugalSpainUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)IraqPalestineTurkey
Africa7 regions
native (7)AlgeriaEgyptEritreaEthiopiaMoroccoSudanTunisia
Broader regions
native:Turkey-in-Europe, East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
introduced:New South Wales
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 303c4825-3594-4289-85e7-c89fab289cae
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