Dipsacus mitis

What to Eat

Edible parts: Leaves

Leaves - cooked.

Where to Find It

E. Asia - N. India.

Coming Soon

How to Identify

Dipsacus mitis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

How to Grow

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country. It is likely to require a well-drained humus-rich soil in sun or semi-shade.

Propagation: Seed - we have no details but suggest sowing it in a greenhouse in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.