Hogweed Plant Care

Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Heracleum genus. Hogweed is native to most of Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. Hogweed is also known as Common Hogweed, Cow Parsnip, Giant Hogweed.

Hogweed displays a tall, robust herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Hogweed produces large umbels of white or greenish flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Heracleum sphondylium requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Hogweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Heracleum sphondylium grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Hogweed prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Hogweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hogweed 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Repot every 1-2 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.

Hogweed can be propagated through seeds, root division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to austrian hogweed plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Hogweed is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, powdery mildew. 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.

Hogweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Hogweed is native to most of Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Hogweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.