Thistle control - Ask Extension
How can I mange thistles that are coming up in my large asparagus and raspberry patches without killing them? I was told Grazon, but after reading the...
Knowledgebase
Thistle control #867767
Asked May 09, 2024, 2:49 PM EDT
How can I mange thistles that are coming up in my large asparagus and raspberry patches without killing them? I was told Grazon, but after reading the label, it is not safe for food plots. HELP!
Redwood County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thistles are a miserable weed that will take a lot of hard work to get rid of. Hand removal is effective for removing individual plants or small patches. Flaming and mowing are not effective because the plants will continue to reproduce even if the tops are removed or burned.
- Remove as much of the stem and roots as possible to prevent regrowth.
- Remove before plants go to seed.
- Some success has been shown in Canada thistle removal by shading out the plant.
- Combinations of fall and spring herbicide applications are most effective.
- Herbicides should be spot-sprayed to prevent unintended damage.
- Post-emergent herbicides:
- 2-4D, triclopyr, glyphosate