Photo: Carl Axel Magnus LindmanPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Meadow Thistle Plant Care
Cirsium oleraceum Scop.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cirsium oleraceum, the cabbage thistle or Siberian thistle, is a species of thistle in the genus Cirsium within the family Asteraceae, native to central and eastern Europe and Asia, where it grows in wet lowland soils.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Meadow Thistle?
Water Meadow Thistle every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Meadow Thistle Native To?
What Is the Meadow Thistle?
Meadow Thistle (Cirsium oleraceum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Cirsium genus. Meadow Thistle is native to central and eastern Europe and Asia. Meadow Thistle is also known as Cabbage Thistle, Carduus acanthifolius, Carduus oleraceus.
Meadow Thistle displays a tall, spiky perennial growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Meadow Thistle produces showy purple or pink thistle-like flower heads.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Meadow Thistle?
Cirsium oleraceum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Meadow Thistle Need?
Meadow Thistle thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Meadow Thistle Prefer?
Cirsium oleraceum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Meadow Thistle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Meadow Thistle?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Meadow Thistle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Meadow Thistle?
Feed Meadow Thistle every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Meadow Thistle?
Divide and replant every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Meadow Thistle?
Meadow Thistle can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to creeping thistle plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Meadow Thistle Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Meadow Thistle, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Meadow Thistle?
Meadow Thistle is susceptible to aphids, thrips, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Meadow Thistle Need?
Meadow Thistle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Meadow Thistle is native to central and eastern Europe and Asia. In cooler regions, grow Meadow Thistle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Meadow Thistle is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cirsium genus — compare its care with other Cirsium species on PlantoScan.
Cirsium is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Meadow Thistle thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Cirsium Species
Other Cirsium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cirsium oleraceum Scop., family Asteraceae (first published in Fl. Carniol. 2: 124 (1772)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Meadow Thistle, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Carl Axel Magnus Lindman, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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