toni
 Administrator
Plants Moderator
Regular Plants Contributor
North Texas, Zone 8a
Posts: 11205
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| Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 6:41 pm Post subject: Question about growing Thistle |
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I filled and hung out the thistle feeder in anticipation of the Finches that arrive in early spring.
Now I am wondering....since these seeds are natural and considering how many tiny plants sprout up under the regular bird feeders, can these seeds be used to start some Thistle plants?
I know that some consider them a nuisance, but I have a side of the house that would be perfect for them to take over.
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eileen
Forum Moderator
Scotland
Posts: 18004
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| Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 12:56 am Post subject: |
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I don't see why not toni. I've had allsorts growing under the bird feeders from flax to sunflowers. You've nothing to lose by giving them a try.  Let us know how you get on with growing them won't you?
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cajunbelle
zone 8b Louisiana
Posts: 3254
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| Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 2:11 am Post subject: |
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Gosh, we have giant thistles growing wild here. We always chop them down before they go to seed.
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Sharon
Phil. 4:13
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muddybob
WA st.
Posts: 444
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| Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 2:40 am Post subject: |
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Our county sends people out to see who has noxious weeds that need to be eliminated. Thistle is on that list here. I would cringe if I found a neighbor growing it intentionally! But since you are not anywhere near me I hope you enjoy growing thistles! Was it
Gertrude Jekyll that liked to go about shaking thistle seeds where they might not be appreciated? I can't recall the story properly now.
muddy
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Desert Rat
Texas
Posts: 661
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| Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 4:11 am Post subject: |
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While thistle is considered a pest here, Susie the goat loves it along with such other gourmet treats as Catclaw (also known as wait-a-minute bush) and tumbleweed (dry of course for more concentrated nutrients). We don't have to grow it. It is always there.
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glendann
Texas
Posts: 9227
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| Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 6:42 am Post subject: |
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I have lots of thistle around here but like cajunbelle I chop them down.
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reggaefan
Zone 8b Louisiana
Posts: 2475
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| Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 12:10 pm Post subject: |
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While they are still young if you peel then cut them in circles and pour vinegar or your favorite salad dressing over them they are quite tasty, sorta of sweet and crunchy. we also just used to munch them as we walked alone. Be careful of the stickers while you are peeling
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Richard
"We have met the enemy,and it is us." POGO
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bethie
WestTennessee
Posts: 1570
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| Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 12:57 pm Post subject: |
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Toni, if you are using nyger they will not sprout. 
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toni
Administrator
Plants Moderator
Regular Plants Contributor
North Texas, Zone 8a
Posts: 11205
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| Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 2:29 pm Post subject: |
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| bethie wrote: | | Toni, if you are using nyger they will not sprout. |
Oh, darn, Bethie....they are nyger  Guess I will clean out the bowl of water I have them floating in and just buy some thistle seeds.
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Jungle Joy
Northern Ontario, Canada
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 10:41 pm Post subject: Chop them down? |
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I had two of these majesic plants come up in my wildflower garden. I wouldn't let my man-thing chop them down. They are so unusual and the floweres are purple - which is my favorite color. All manner of small birds came flocking when they set seed. I wish I had taken pictures
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blackrose
Posts: 269
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| Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 7:00 pm Post subject: |
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You'll be loved by those birds!  Post the pics if you can please...
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glendann
Texas
Posts: 9227
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| Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 7:35 pm Post subject: |
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I have some in my backyard I have until I mow as to many cats to try and tease them into stoping to eat.They might become to food.
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