Alpine blue sow thistle Plant Care

Alpine blue sow thistle (Cicerbita alpina) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Cicerbita genus. Alpine blue sow thistle is native to upland and mountainous parts of Europe. Alpine blue sow thistle is also known as Alpine sow thistle, Sonchus alpinus, Aracium alpinum.

Alpine blue sow thistle displays a clumping herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Alpine blue sow thistle produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Cicerbita alpina requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Alpine blue sow thistle thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Cicerbita alpina grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Alpine blue sow thistle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Alpine blue sow thistle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Alpine blue sow 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.

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

Divide and repot 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.

Alpine blue sow thistle can be propagated through seeds, division of root clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to blue sow thistle plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Alpine blue sow thistle is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers. 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.

Alpine blue sow thistle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Alpine blue sow thistle is native to upland and mountainous parts of Europe. In cooler regions, grow Alpine blue sow thistle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.