{"product_id":"200-spear-thistle-seeds-cirsium-vulgare-pollinator-friendly-biennial-flower","title":"200 Spear Thistle Seeds (Cirsium vulgare) – Pollinator-Friendly Biennial Flower","description":"\u003cp\u003eSpear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare), also known as Bull Thistle, is a striking biennial plant that adds architectural interest and vibrant color to wildflower gardens and naturalized areas. Its tall stems are topped with distinctive, spiky purple flower heads that attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The plant's deeply lobed, prickly leaves form a bold rosette in its first year, followed by towering flower stalks in the second.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIdeal for meadow plantings, wildlife gardens, and cottage-style borders, Spear Thistle is a valuable addition for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly plants. Its tolerance of poor soils and drought makes it a resilient choice for challenging spots.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBiennial life cycle: forms a rosette in year one, blooms in year two\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpiky purple flower heads from summer to early fall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeeply lobed, prickly foliage adds texture and interest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTolerant of poor, dry soils once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cirsium vulgare\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Biennial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained, poor to average soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Season:\u003c\/strong\u003e Summer to early fall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–5 feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18–24 inches apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow Spear Thistle seeds outdoors in fall or early spring, lightly covering them with soil as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs, which typically takes 14–21 days at 65–70°F (18–21°C). Once seedlings are established, thin them to the recommended spacing. Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots develop, then reduce watering as plants become drought tolerant. Mulch around plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent unwanted self-seeding if desired.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e200 Spear (Bull) Thistle seeds (Cirsium vulgare).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67795507675446,"sku":"FOLIA2-132","price":27.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.7128353174_hxy8.jpg?v=1792670794","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/200-spear-thistle-seeds-cirsium-vulgare-pollinator-friendly-biennial-flower","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}