Effect of sowing date and rate on the yield and flavonolignan content of the fruits of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.) grown on light soil in a moderate climate

▶ Delaying Silybum marianum sowing time increased silymarin yield and content. ▶ Silymarin content increase resulted from proportional increase in all flavonolignans. ▶ Silybinin and silychristin are the main flavonolignans in the fruit of cultivar Silma.