Thistles are a problem for many people, whether they are farmers trying to keep their crops free of them, or homeowners with a yard full of these unsightly weeds. There are many herbicides on the market that promise to get rid of thistles, but which one is the best? On this page, we will take a look at the best herbicide for thistles and discuss their pros and cons.
Herbicide for Thistles
Best Herbicide for Thistles
Monterey LG5482 Thistledown Weed Killer Thistle and Clover Control Concentrate, 8 oz
Monterey Thistledown Weed Killer (Buy Online) is one of the best herbicides for thistles on the market. It contains the active ingredient clopyralid, which is effective against a wide range of broadleaf weeds, including Canada thistle, musk thistle, and knapweed.
Additionally, Monterey Thistledown Weed Killer is safe to use in pastures and non-food crop locations. The concentrated formula means that a little goes a long way, making it an economical choice for those looking to control thistle growth.
However, it should be noted that Monterey Thistledown Weed Killer will not work on all types of thistle, and herbicide-resistant thistles can come back after treatment.
Overall, Monterey Thistledown Weed Killer is highly effective against most thistle varieties and is a wise investment for anyone looking to control thistle growth on their property.
Southern Ag Crossbow Specialty Herbicide Low Volatile Weed & Brush Herbicide, 128oz – Gallon
Southern Ag Crossbow Specialty Herbicide (Buy Online) is one of the best herbicides for thistles. It features the active ingredient 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, which is known for its effectiveness in killing thistles quickly. Additionally, Southern Ag Crossbow Specialty Herbicide also contains triclopyr, which provides control of most kinds of annual and perennial broadleaf weeds.
Southern Ag Crossbow Specialty Herbicide comes in a concentrated form that will make up to 96 gallons of spray solution. This makes it an excellent choice for those who need to treat large areas. Some of the other herbicides on the market do not come in such a concentrated form and require you to buy multiple bottles, which can get expensive.
Southern Ag Crossbow Specialty Herbicide also has a longer half-life than some of the other products on the market, meaning it will remain effective once applied for a longer period of time.
Overall, Southern Ag Crossbow Specialty Herbicide is a great choice for those looking for an effective herbicide for thistles.
Monterey LG5468 0.5 PT Star Thistle, 8 Ounce
Monterey Star Thistle Killer (Buy Online) is one of the best herbicides for thistles. Its active ingredient, clopyralid, is designed specifically to control star thistle. It also does an excellent job of controlling Canadian thistle and other thistle species.
Monterey Star Thistle Killer is a concentrated herbicide, so a little goes a long way. One 8-ounce bottle will cover 3/4 of an acre. And it’s not just effective against star thistles – it will also control musk thistle and Russian thistle. So if you’re looking for the best herbicide for thistles, Monterey Star Thistle Killer is an excellent option.
RM18 Fast-Acting Weed & Grass Killer Herbicide, 64-ounce
RM18 Fast-Acting Weed & Grass Killer Herbicide (Buy Online) contains the active ingredient Glyphosate, which is known for its effectiveness in killing weeds and grasses. RM18 also contains Diquat, which helps to speed up the process of killing thistles.
This herbicide is rainproof in as little as 12 hours and will kill thistle and other weeds quickly and efficiently.
RM18 Fast-Acting Weed & Grass Killer Herbicide comes in a bottle containing enough herbicide to treat up to 6,300 square feet, making it ideal for larger areas. This weed killer is also affordably priced and easy to use, making it a great choice for those looking for an effective herbicide.
However, some customers have complained that the strength of the herbicide seems to vary from bottle to bottle, so it is important to take that into consideration if you decide to try it.
Gordon’s SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer, 20 Ounces
Gordon’s SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer (Buy Online) is one of the best herbicides for thistles on the market. It contains the active ingredient 2,4-D, 2-ethylhexyl ester, which is known for its effectiveness in killing Russian thistle.
Additionally, Gordon’s SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer does not harm grasses, making it a safe choice for those who are concerned about protecting their lawn. Moreover, Gordon’s SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer gives visible results in hours, and treated areas can be reseeded in just two weeks.
Additionally, a single bottle of Gordon’s SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer covers from 14,000 to 18,000 square feet, making it perfect for large property owners.
However, Gordon’s SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer is not registered for use in certain areas and cannot be shipped to the following states: DC, AK, MA, NJ, and VT.
Liquid Harvest Mesotrione
Liquid Harvest Mesotrione (Buy Online) is a great choice for those who are looking for a herbicide that is tough on thistles but still safe to use around other plants.
Liquid Harvest is a concentrated herbicide that contains the active ingredient, Mesotrione, which is quickly absorbed by the plant and then translocated to the roots.
This concentrated herbicide is available in a 4 oz. bottle and makes up to 30 gallons of finished solution, and it can be used with Liquid Harvest Lazer & Surfactant for better results.
One downside of Mesotrione is that it is not as fast-acting as some other herbicides on the market. However, when used according to the directions, it will provide long-lasting results that will keep your yard looking great for seasons to come.
Trimec Classic Broadleaf Herbicide, 1 Gallon
Trimec Classic Broadleaf Herbicide (Buy Online) is one of the most effective herbicides for killing thistles. It contains the active ingredients 2,4-D and dicamba, which quickly kill bull thistle and other broadleaf weeds. Trimec also includes MCPP-P, which helps to prevent new weed growth. Best of all, Trimec only needs to be applied once, so you don’t have to worry about re-treating your lawn every few weeks.
However, Trimec can not be shipped to AK, CA, DC, PR, CT, LA, MA, NJ, NM, TX, or VT. So before using Trimec, be sure to check your state’s regulations to ensure that it is legal to use in your area.
IMAGE 32 oz. Southern Lawn Weed Killer Ready to Spray
IMAGE Southern Lawn Weed Killer (Buy Online) is the best herbicide for thistles because it has a fast-acting formula that kills weeds down to the root. This herbicide is as easy to use since it comes in a convenient spray bottle that covers up to 5,000 square feet.
Herbicides That Kill Thistle
Some herbicides that kill thistle include Clopyralid, Chlorsulfuron, Dicamba, Triclopyr, Glyphosate, and 2,4-D
- Clopyralid
- 2,4-D
- Chlorsulfuron
- Dicamba
- Triclopyr
- Glyphosate
Thistle Growth Stages
Thistles are a type of weed that can be difficult to control. They have a two-year growth cycle and can reproduce quickly if left unchecked.
In the first year of growth, thistles will develop a taproot and a cluster of leaves on the soil surface. During the second year, the plant’s stem will elongate, producing flowers and seeds. Once thistles have flowered, they will die. However, each plant can produce thousands of seeds, which can quickly lead to a thistle infestation if not controlled.
Thistles are most commonly found in open areas such as fields and pastures. They compete with other plants for resources and can quickly choke out native vegetation. As a result, it is crucial to be vigilant in controlling thistle growth on your property.
Thistle Control
In many areas of the country, thistles are a common weed. While they can be controlled with manual removal and other methods, the most effective way to get rid of them is with herbicide.
Thistle Mechanical Control
Thistle control can be a challenge. One way to manage thistles is through mechanical control, which means physically removing them. Hand pulling or using a hoe are the best methods for eliminating small populations of thistles, but it’s essential to get all of the plant, including the roots.
Mowing can also help to control thistles by cutting off the flower heads before they set seed. However, mowing will not remove the roots, and new plants will grow from any pieces of stem that are left in the ground.
Thistle Chemical Control
There are several effective methods of chemical control for thistles, which include herbicides such as Glyphosate and 2,4-D. Glyphosphate is the most common herbicide used for thistle control, and it works by killing the entire plant. 2,4-D is another effective herbicide that targets only the leaves of the plant, causing it to starve and die.
What Herbicide Kills Thistle
What is the best herbicide for thistles? This depends on the specific variety of thistle and the environment in which it is growing.
Read on to learn more about choosing a herbicide for different thistle species.
What Herbicide Kills Canadian Thistle
2,4-D is a selective herbicide that can kill Canadian thistle. It works by disrupting the plant’s hormonal system, causing it to die.
2,4-D is effective against a wide range of weed species and is used in both residential and agricultural settings. However, it can also harm desirable plants, so it should be used with caution.
Does Roundup Kill Canadian Thistle
Glyphosate (Roundup) will kill Canadian thistle, but 2,4-D is a better option for use in lawns and pastures.
2,4-D is a selective herbicide that kills broadleaf weeds like Canadian thistle, while RoundUp is a non-selective herbicide that kills broadleaf weeds and grasses, which makes Glyphosate unsuitable for use on lawns and pastures.
What Herbicide Kills Russian Thistle
2,4-D is a herbicide that kills Russian thistle, and it only affects broadleaf plants making it ideal for killing thistle without harming grass.
What Herbicide Kills Bull Thistle
A mix of 2,4-D and dicamba is the most effective herbicide for killing bull thistle. 2,4-D is a selective herbicide that kills broadleaf plants, while dicamba is a non-selective herbicide that kills both broadleaf plants and grasses. When used together, they are very effective at killing bull thistle.
What Herbicide Kills Milk Thistle
There are a few herbicides that can kill milk thistle. The most common are clopyralid, 2,4-D, and glyphosate.
What Herbicide Kills Sow Thistle
There are a few herbicides that can kill sow thistle, but the most common ones are 2,4-D or Glyphosate. 2,4-D is a broadleaf herbicide that is typically used to kill weeds in lawns and gardens. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that will kill anything it comes into contact with, so be careful when using it around desirable plants.
What Herbicide Kills Creeping Thistle
The best herbicide to kill creeping thistle is 2,4-D. This weedkiller is effective at killing a wide range of weeds, including Canadian thistle.
What Herbicide Kills Scotch Thistle
There are a few different herbicides that can be effective in killing scotch thistle. Clopyralid, chlorsulfuron, dicamba, and triclopyr are all herbicides that have been shown to be effective in combating this pesky weed.
Glyphosate is another option that may be effective, although it is important to note that it will also kill other plants in the area, so use it with caution.
Finally, 2,4-D is also an option but should only be used as a last resort since it can potentially cause harm to other plants and animals if not used correctly.
Whichever herbicide you choose to use, make sure to read and follow the directions and use weed sprayer and proper protection.
