Echinops (Globe Thistle) (Seeds)

Description

This plant makes a splendid contrast to most other flower forms in the perennial garden. Globe thistle produces long lasting masses of globular, spiked, violet-blue flowers on solid tall 75-90 cm (30-36″) stem. Thistle-like foliage is finely cut with a saw-tooth shape tipped with not too prickly spines. A pollinator favourite – in particular bees! Other than cutting down the stems after flowering is finished, Globe Thistle is about as a low maintenance a plant as it gets!  Hardy to Zone 3.

How to Grow

75 seed/gram. “Globe Thistles” as they are commonly referred to, are large, dramatic plants that are impressive in the garden or as dried flowers. Start indoors in a soil-less mix in early March. Press seed into the mix but do not cover as light aids germination. Germinate at 21 C (70 F) then grow on under lights at a slightly cooler temperature then harden off and transplant to a sunny spot in the garden. Seed can also be directly sown in the garden in August and early September for flowering in the following year.