{"product_id":"milk-thistle","title":"Milk Thistle","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1052\" data-start=\"479\"\u003eMilk Thistle is a hardy, drought-tolerant biennial native to the Mediterranean, now naturalized in many parts of North America. Known for its large, spiny leaves marked with white veining and bold purple blooms, it is often grown both for its ornamental beauty and medicinal value. The seeds of Milk Thistle have long been used in traditional herbal medicine to support liver function, thanks to the presence of the active compound silymarin. It thrives in poor, dry soils and is a striking addition to herb gardens, meadows, and naturalised areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1251\" data-start=\"1054\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1090\" data-start=\"1054\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Milk Thistle?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1093\" data-start=\"1090\"\u003eBest suited for Zones 4-9, Milk Thistle grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. Ideal for dry gardens, herb patches, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1633\" data-start=\"1253\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1284\" data-start=\"1253\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1287\" data-start=\"1284\"\u003eMilk Thistle has been cultivated since antiquity, with its medicinal uses dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. Traditionally used to treat liver disorders, bile duct problems, and indigestion, it remains a popular herbal remedy today. Beyond medicine, its imposing stature and unique leaf markings have earned it a place in ornamental gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1930\" data-start=\"1635\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1664\" data-start=\"1635\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1667\" data-start=\"1664\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1681\" data-start=\"1667\"\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in autumn or early spring; naturalises well.\u003cbr data-end=\"1740\" data-start=\"1737\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1754\" data-start=\"1740\"\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow outdoors after the last frost or start indoors for transplanting.\u003cbr data-end=\"1827\" data-start=\"1824\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1850\" data-start=\"1827\"\u003eZones 4 and colder:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost; transplant when soil has warmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1930\" data-start=\"1635\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2303\" data-start=\"1932\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1972\" data-start=\"1932\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Milk Thistle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1975\" data-start=\"1972\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1988\" data-start=\"1975\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 1cm (½in) deep, 30-45cm (12-18in) apart in full sun.\u003cbr data-end=\"2054\" data-start=\"2051\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2067\" data-start=\"2054\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly until established; tolerates drought once mature.\u003cbr data-end=\"2136\" data-start=\"2133\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2151\" data-start=\"2136\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest seeds after flowers fade and seed heads dry on the plant.\u003cbr data-end=\"2220\" data-start=\"2217\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2236\" data-start=\"2220\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Handle with care due to sharp spines; wear gloves when harvesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2662\" data-start=\"2305\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2343\" data-start=\"2305\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2346\" data-start=\"2343\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2368\" data-start=\"2346\"\u003eSelect Seed Heads:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leave flower heads on the plant until fully dry.\u003cbr data-end=\"2420\" data-start=\"2417\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2438\" data-start=\"2420\"\u003eHarvest Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clip seed heads, allow to dry further indoors, then shake out seeds.\u003cbr data-end=\"2510\" data-start=\"2507\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2528\" data-start=\"2510\"\u003eDry and Store:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully dry and store in a cool, dry place in sealed containers.\u003cbr data-end=\"2594\" data-start=\"2591\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2608\" data-start=\"2594\"\u003eViability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds remain viable for 2-3 years if properly stored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2743\" data-start=\"2664\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2688\" data-start=\"2664\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2691\" data-start=\"2688\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"2743\" data-start=\"2691\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52198405669161,"sku":"MF-HERB-030","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0747\/6225\/6681\/files\/Silybum_marianum.png?v=1764456967","url":"https:\/\/konnichiwa.ca\/fr\/products\/milk-thistle","provider":"こんにちはマート | KON NICHIWA MART","version":"1.0","type":"link"}