Cirsium oleraceum
20 seeds per packet.
A large, non-spikey, perennial thistle, native to areas of wet soil in central and eastern Europe and Asia. Produces creamy flowers with a hint of purple on tall stems in July to September and attractive, pale green and white bracts. As well as being a great bee and butterfly plant the young stems and leaves are edible and are cultivated in Japan and India. Height 150 cm. Full sun to part shade in moist soil.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS:
Sow from March to June. Cover seed thinly, press in gently and keep top of compost from drying out. Keep pot warm at 15 to 20°C until germination, then move to somewhere cooler.
Carefully prick out seedlings when they have developed true leaves and are large enough to transplant to individual pots to grow on.