{"product_id":"milk-thistle-1970","title":"Milk Thistle Seeds","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSilybum marianum\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMilk Thistle, also known as St. Mary's Thistle, is a striking biennial herb with bold, glossy green leaves marbled with distinctive white markings and large vibrant purple flower heads. Growing up to 2 m tall, it creates a dramatic feature in herb gardens, cottage gardens and wildlife plantings. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects throughout the warmer months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor centuries, Milk Thistle has been cultivated as both a medicinal and edible plant. The seeds are traditionally used in herbal preparations, particularly in relation to liver health. Young leaves, once carefully prepared to remove the spines, and flower stems have also been eaten as a vegetable, while the immature flower buds may be prepared similarly to globe artichokes. The plant produces a characteristic milky white sap when cut, giving rise to its common name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 38 seeds per gram\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 20 seeds per packet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to Plant (Australia)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropics: April to August\u003cbr\u003eSubtropics: March to September\u003cbr\u003eMild climates: March to October\u003cbr\u003eCold climates: September to November and March to May\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting \/ Sowing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow seed 5–10 mm deep directly where plants are to grow or into seed trays for later transplanting. Keep the soil evenly moist until germination. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil, spacing plants 60–90 cm apart to accommodate their large size. Once established, Milk Thistle is drought tolerant and requires little maintenance. Wear gloves when handling mature plants due to their spiny leaves and stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot Available for TAS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot Available for WA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eden Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Packet","offer_id":46649657983194,"sku":null,"price":4.2,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/4866\/8890\/files\/H_MilkThistle_28e5b6bd-0700-4b7b-9bcd-8f5fda684a60.jpg?v=1771465679","url":"https:\/\/www.edenseeds.com.au\/products\/milk-thistle-1970","provider":"Eden Seeds ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}