Echinops Globe Thistle Seeds

 

Architectural, striking, and pollinator friendly  Echinops Globe Thistle produces steel blue spherical flowerheads that sit on stout stems above spiny grey green foliage.

 

These long lasting perennials create strong vertical accents in borders, gravel gardens, and prairie style schemes, and are magnets for bees and butterflies while also making excellent dried flowers.

 

Seed Qty: Approx. 50

 

Sow: February to April indoors or April to May direct

Germination: 14 to 28 days with light stratification improving results

Soil: Light to medium, well drained; loam or sandy; neutral to slightly alkaline

Height: 60 to 120 cm

Flowering: June to August

Good Companions: Nepeta, salvia, achillea, ornamental grasses

Avoid Pairing With: Moist shade or heavy waterlogged soils

 

Sowing Instructions

 

Sow indoors February to April, surface sow or cover very lightly in trays of moist seed compost and keep at 18–20°C until germination. Cold stratify for 2–4 weeks to improve rates if possible. Transplant when large enough to handle and harden off before planting out after the last frost. For direct sowing, sow April to May into a well prepared seedbed and thin seedlings to 30–45 cm apart. Grow in full sun for best flowering and stake taller plants if needed.

 

 

Plant in a sunny, free draining position and avoid rich, water retentive soils which reduce flowering. Mulch lightly in spring and divide clumps every 4–5 years to maintain vigour. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering and leave some seedheads for wildlife and winter structure.