Sow Thistle

Garden Problems , Lawn Problems

Sow thistle, and similar species hawksbeard, catsear, dandelion, hawkbit and oxtongue, are common weeds of New Zealand gardens. They are often found in lawns, wasteland, pasture and roadsides.

Identify the problem
Sow thistle is included in a group of dandelion like weeds with rosettes of leaves close to the ground and branched leafy flower stalks crowned with clusters of yellow dandelion like flowers. Prickly sow thistle has wavy spiny margins to the leaves.
How to solve the problem
In Lawns
- Apply the selective herbicide LawnPro Turfclean Ultra, LawnPro Turfclean or Turfclean & Green. This will effectively control sow thistle but will leave lawn grasses unaffected. Alternatively sow thistle can be spot sprayed with Weed Weapon Rapid Actionor painted with Weed Weapon Invade Gel.
- For best results use in Spring and Autumn when weeds and turf are growing.
In Garden Beds
- Spot treat with Weed Weapon Rapid Action or Weed Weapon Invade Gel. Weed Weapon is systemic and kills weeds down to the roots within 2-4 days and is an ideal product for use around established trees and shrubs. It is inactive in the soil so planting can be safely carried out soon after treatment.
- For a fast acting organic solution use Kiwicare Weed Weapon Natural Power.
- For best results use in Spring and Autumn when weeds and turf are growing.
In Paths and Driveways
- For long term control on paths and driveways use Weed Weapon Long Term. This will kill a wide range of weeds and prevent regrowth for up to 12 months.
- For a fast acting organic solution use Weed Weapon Natural Power.
- For best results use in Spring and Autumn when weeds and turf are growing.
Did you know?
- Sow thistle is Sonchus oleraceus