How to Spray Bleach on Thistle Heads

Thistles are easily recognizable by their large, spiny flower heads. Thistles, which can grow as tall as six feet, come in many types, including Canada thistle, bull thistle, Italian thistle and milk thistle, and are considered weeds. It is important to treat thistle infestations as they can take over backyards, lawns and pastures. Bleach is effective in killing thistles and stopping the spread, as it works from the root to kill the plant.

Things You'll Need

• Bleach
• Water
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Fill a one-gallon spray bottle with water. Pour a capful of bleach into the bottle and close it. Shake well.

2. Spray directly at the base of the thistle and work your way up to the leaves. Adjust the nozzle to low-pressure setting and spray the top of the purple thistle head.

3. Allow bleach to penetrate roots and stalk overnight. Return to check on thistle the next day.

4. Dig the thistle up with a hand trowel, making sure all roots are removed. Discard in a waste bag.

5. Keep grass short and mow often. Mow before thistle head flowers begin to bloom to prevent viable seeds from spreading.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the spray bottle nozzle low, so that bleach does not get on nearby plants that you wish to keep.

• Label your bottle as "Bleach Herbicide" so that you know the mixture is not safe for every plant.

• Wear long-sleeved shirt, long pants and gloves when working around any type of thistle heads. Thistles can pierce the skin and be painful to work with by hand.

• Bleach will kill all plants, so do not use it in vegetable gardens.

References

• vegetable-gardening-gnomes.com: Effective Organic Weed Killer Recipes That Are Eco Friendly

Resources

• co.thurston.wa.us: Milk, Scotch, and Italian Thistles