Runcinate Sowthistle Plant Care

Runcinate Sowthistle (Sonchus runcinatus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Sonchus genus. Runcinate Sowthistle is native to Europe and Western Asia. Runcinate Sowthistle is also known as Hieracium oleraceum, Hieracium spinulosum, Lepicaune spinulosa.

Runcinate Sowthistle displays an upright, branching herbaceous plant growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Runcinate Sowthistle produces small yellow daisy-like flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Sonchus runcinatus 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.

Runcinate Sowthistle thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sonchus runcinatus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Runcinate Sowthistle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost or organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Runcinate Sowthistle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Runcinate Sowthistle 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.

Runcinate Sowthistle can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to species plantarum plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Runcinate Sowthistle is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, slugs. 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.

Runcinate Sowthistle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Runcinate Sowthistle is native to Europe and Western Asia. In cooler regions, grow Runcinate Sowthistle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.