Cnicus benedictus

Centaurea benedicta (L.) L.

Centaurea benedicta

Centaurea benedicta, commonly known as St. Benedict's thistle or blessed thistle, is a thistle-like annual plant native to the Mediterranean region. It grows up to 60 cm tall with leathery, hairy leaves that are up to 30 cm long and 8 cm broad, bearing small spines on the margins. The plant produces yellow flowers in dense flowerheads surrounded by spiny basal bracts. It has a sprawling habit and requires full sun and well-drained soil.

Details

Order:

Asterales

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Centaurea

Chemistry:

The plant contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These compounds contribute to its traditional medicinal uses and potential health benefits.

Uses:

Blessed thistle is traditionally used as a galactagogue to increase breast milk supply. It is also used in folk remedies for various ailments and as a flavoring in alcoholic beverages. However, it may cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals and can induce stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting if consumed in large amounts.

Flowering time:

Mid-summer to early fall

Sowing time:

After the danger of frost passes

Plant height:

Up to 60 cm

Flower color:

Yellow

Suitable habitat:

Full sun and well-drained soil; native to the Mediterranean region

Info

Pannon Flora Ltd. was founded on December 13, 1999, by Gábor Janik, who retains 95% ownership. Janik holds an MSc in Horticulture from the University of Horticultural Sciences (1986) and an Advanced Professional English Certification from the College of International Trade (1990). The company specializes in bird feed production and export, primarily serving markets in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, alongside cultivating and distributing imported/exported horticultural seeds. It maintains exclusive partnerships with JOEUN Seed (South Korea) and Takii Europe (Japan), a leader in professional seed breeding and production. Pannon Flora collaborates with certification bodies such as NÉBIH (National Food Chain Safety Office), MERT Kontroll, and SGS Hungary to ensure compliance and quality. The company works with approximately 400 Hungarian growers, ranging from small-scale producers (under 5 hectares) to mid-sized farms and large-scale agricultural enterprises. This profile emphasizes agribusiness expertise, technical partnerships, and operational scalability tailored to international client needs.

Tenders

Expert guidance for current/future CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) subsidy applications