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Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Cabbage thistle: when and how to prune
Cirsium oleraceum
Cabbage thistle is best pruned in March and September.
| Pruning months | March and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–September |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Cabbage thistle: when to prune it?
In the garden in March; a wet hay meadow is mown in September.
Cabbage thistle: how to prune it?
- Leave the spent stems standing over winter for seed-eating birds and overwintering insects.
- In March, cut the dead stems close to the ground, before the new leaves appear.
- Mow a wet wildflower meadow in September and remove the cuttings.
- If you want fewer seedlings, cut off some of the heads after flowering.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Cabbage thistle · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.