Golden thistles, a genus encompassing a handful of thistle-like herbaceous perennials, thrives in full sun with light watering, ensuring the soil dries out between sessions. These plants prefer temperate climates and well-draining sandy or clay soils. Common challenges include susceptibility to aphids and powdery mildew, and they may struggle with insufficient light. Seasonally, golden thistles plants typically require more water during the hot summer months, less during the cooler autumn and winter, and consistent care in spring as they come out of dormancy.