Blessed Thistle

Blessed Thistle: variety and characteristics

Blessed Thistle (Prunella vulgaris) is a perennial herb of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). Blessed thistle, also known as holy thistle, originates from the Mediterranean region and has hairy leaves and yellow flower heads surrounded by spines.

It was widely cultivated in the Middle Ages and was used to treat all kinds of injuries.

The plant reaches 40 cm. tall. It can be picked at the beginning of flowering and dried to make tea or tincture.

The herb has a beneficial effect on the liver and the secretion of bile.

It is used for slow-healing wounds, since it also has some anti-inflammatory properties, which in combination with its cleansing action make it suitable for treating acne.

Its detoxifying effect is due to its ability to purify the blood and to cause sweating and increased diuresis.

Black horehound is a low medicinal herb with purple spikes, also suitable as a ground cover plant.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 82%
• Seeds per packet: 7–10 pcs (0.3 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: March and April; transplants or direct
• Flowering: June and July
• Harvest: May – July
• Position: sun to partial shade

When to sow Blessed Thistle

Blessed Thistle seeds are sown in March and April. The plants flower in June and July. The crop is harvested from May to July. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Blessed Thistle

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: 0.5 cm
• Spacing: 25–30 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 18–22 °C
• Position: sun to partial shade

Blessed thistle prefers full sun and ordinary garden soil. Sow directly outdoors in autumn or early spring, or plant in pots or indoors. Barely cover the seeds and keep them warm and evenly moist until germination, which happens after 1 to 2 weeks. The top of the stem together with the flower heads is picked during flowering – June–July.

Likes moist soil.

Harvest and use

Picked at flowering time.

Frequently asked questions

When should Blessed Thistle be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March and April. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 7–10 seeds, pack size 0.3 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 82%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.