Tribulus terrestris PUNCTURE VINE (10 seeds)

Puncture Vine is a small, annual, creeping herbaceous plant. Of Asian and American origin, it is a sparsely branched and very hairy plant belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family. It has a slow growth rate and measures between 50 and 80 cm in length. It grows in very sandy and well-draining soils.

Its yellow flowers measure 5 to 12 millimeters and have five petals. Its flowering period begins in April and lasts until the end of October.

The fruits of the Maltese Cross are shaped like a cross, which is the origin of its common name. The fruit consists of 5 to 6 symmetrical segments arranged in a star shape and adorned with strong, thorny spines. These spines allow the seeds to be disseminated by sticking to the feet of wild animals in their natural environment.

Puncture Vine seeds come from Tribulus terrestris; they are round and enclosed at the base of each fruit segment. There is one seed per segment, with each fruit containing approximately five to six seeds.

Its deep green foliage consists of small opposite leaflets measuring 1 cm in length, which grow in pairs.

- Uses:

A "Tyre-Puncturing" Herb of the Paths

Tribulus is famous for its remarkably aggressive fruits. Its small, woody capsules are armed with sharp, sturdy spikes, arranged in such a way that one of them always points upward when on the ground.
Capable of piercing thin shoe soles or puncturing bicycle tyres, these burrs cling to wheels and animal paws to colonise new territories.

The Absolute King of Arid and Abused Soils

Puncturevine is a fascinating example of plant resilience. Native to Mediterranean regions and desert zones, it thrives where almost all other plants wither: in pure sand, railway gravel, cracks in burning asphalt, or compacted, trampled soils.
Its taproot sinks deep to draw the slightest trace of moisture, making it a formidable coloniser of hostile environments.

- Germination and Sowing of Seeds:

• The most favorable period for sowing Puncture Vine is during the months of June and July.
• Sow the seeds in a tray with a mixture of sand and good seedling potting soil at a depth of 1/2 cm.
• Lightly pack the substrate carefully to avoid pricking your hand.
• Water the culture thoroughly using a sprayer.
• Then, place the seedling tray in a greenhouse at a temperature near 40°C.
• Germination will begin 3 to 5 weeks after planting.
• Once the Maltese Cross seedlings reach 10 cm in length, they can be planted directly in the garden.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

Tribulus terrestris needs relatively poor and, above all, very well-drained soil. Create a mixture of 70% sand and 30% horticultural potting soil or compost. For pot cultivation, remember to drain the bottom of the container well.

- Watering / Humidity:

This thorny plant does not require much watering. One watering per week in the summer is sufficient. In winter, water once a week if it seems necessary. It is a ground-cover plant that grows in dry environments; it does not like ambient humidity.

- Light / Exposure:

Maltese Cross requires a lot of light; it must be placed in a very sunny location. Regarding artificial lights for indoor cultivation, HPS lamps or horticultural LED are preferred.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

Puncture Vine grows very well when temperatures vary between 15°C and 45°C. Below this range, the plant stops growing. It is a plant that does not withstand freezing temperatures if the environment is humid. Remember to bring the Tribulus plants indoors at the end of autumn.

- Reproduction / Multiplication:

Maltese Cross reproduces exclusively by sowing its seeds; it cannot be propagated by cuttings or layering.

- Pests / Diseases:

Tribulus terrestris is not prone to diseases. It is rarely attacked by pests thanks to its numerous defensive spines. Occasionally, insects may lay eggs directly inside the fruit, which unfortunately renders the seeds non-viable.

This article was written by Julien on 07/15/2026.