The expected harvest is from 700 kg/ha to 1 t/ha
Benedict Ley is an organic farmer in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany. Up to 30 different crops grow on his large farm. This year he is trying something new – to grow milk thistle, reports the German site agrarheute.com.
Growing milk thistle: What is the plant useful for?
The white thorn (Marian Hymn) е known as a medicinal plant for centuries, especially for its protective effect on the liver. Milk thistle also promotes detoxification of the body and has antioxidant properties that can counteract cell damage caused by free radicals. Studies also show that the plant helps with digestion and can have a positive effect on blood sugar levels in diabetes.
Benedict Ley is a native of Bavaria. The organic farmer fulfilled his dream a few years ago with a large farm in the north. It relies on a wide variety of cultivation with up to 30 different crops. However, this year a white thistle grew on his fields for the first time. The farmer explains: “It is an annual plant and is nowhere near as aggressive or difficult to control as other thistles. We will bring them under control.”
Sowing and harvesting milk thistle
Milk thistle prefers sunny locations and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Sowing is done in the spring, as soon as the soil is free from frost. Particularly resistant to pests and diseases, the plant thrives without problems until harvest in late summer. Benedict Leigh on how you can tell a plant is ready to harvest : “The grains are firm and come out well from the flower head.” The spike should be “nice and fluffy silver” at the tip.
The farmer expects a harvest of 700 kg/ha to 1 t/ha. “You drive very slowly so you don’t have losses with this very special and expensive crop,” he explains, adding: “I find it very interesting when we grow plants that have medicinal benefits and I like it because farmers can generate different added value . The butter is pressed in our own mill and finally sold through the online store. 250 milliliters of organic milk thistle oil is sold online for up to €15.’
Where does the name of the white thorn come from?
The name milk thistle comes from an old Christian legend associated with the Virgin Mary. According to legend, Mary dripped a few drops of breast milk on the thistle leaves while nursing the baby Jesus. The white marble spots characteristic of the plant’s leaves are interpreted in this story as a visible sign of this event.
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