CHICKWEED

Common chickweed (Stellaria media) is an annual weed frequently found in gardens. It grows and sets seeds quickly, so can produce several generations in a year. Chickweed has shallow roots and is easy to pull out by hand, but it can be a nuisance because it spreads so quickly and easily.

Despite being relatively small and frail, the frequently disturbed soils characteristic of vegetable farming favour chickweed, particularly in temperate vegetable production regions. Its competitiveness with crops is assisted by its ability to germinate throughout much of the year, the relatively short time it takes from germination to flowering and seed set, and its adaptability to a variety of climatic conditions. Around the world, chickweed is considered one of the most successful weeds of cultivation. It is adaptable to the varied cultivation regimes of winter and spring cereals as well as vegetable crops, and has been reported as a weed in over 50 countries worldwide.

Widely naturalised and relatively common in the coastal districts of south-eastern Queensland (i.e. in the Moreton and Wide Bay districts). Also naturalised in north-eastern New South Wales and the coastal districts of central and northern Queensland.

Spray FireHawk Bioherbicide Concentrate: 50 mL/L of water. Respray if required