MILK THISTLE SEEDS

Silybum marianum ‘Sylbina’

Selected for pharmacological use in Europe. Vigorous and productive plants. Seeds contain high concentrations of silymarin, silybins, etc. Excellent germination rate!

The most beautiful of all thistles, milk thistle may be grown for its ornamental value alone. Medicinally, it is one of the most profoundly useful of plants, especially in cases of liver dysfunction. May help counter the hepatotoxicity of some pharmaceutical and herbal treatments. Potentially imperative in extreme weightloss regimens. Employed as an antidote in cases of phalloidine poisoning. Several peer-reviewed studies are available online. Research is recommended.

Edible in its entirety, the large flowers of milk thistle may be consumed like artichokes. The highest concentration of silymarin is in the flowers and seeds. For medicinal use, harvest seed stalks promptly as seeds ripen to avoid self-sown seedlings, which are almost impossible to remove! Dry seed heads completely and thresh. Seeds should be thoroughly crushed for use in medicinal preparations.

These plants have a long taproot and don't appreciate being transplanted. Best to sow directly into garden soil in spring. Germination is relatively fast in warm moist soil. Thin plants to at least 3' apart, in rows at least 6' apart. Fast growing. Mature plants are prickly and painful. Give yourself plenty of space to maneuver at harvest time.

Milk thistle is listed as hardy to zone 6 but may be grown successfully as an annual in zone 5 and colder. Plants do not seem particular about soil but are more likely to be perennial in well-drained soil. Care should be taken any time we choose to plant thistles as they are very persistent and considered weeds by most farmers and gardeners, and may be regulated by local municipal jurisdictions. Be a good steward and collect seed religiously. Plant as few plants as necessary.

Highly recommended.

Packet contains around 300 seeds.