Can Echinops be grown from seed?
You can sow echinops seed in spring, either in situ or in modules, or if you buy as small plant, dig a generous hole, larger than the pot and add a handful of grit to boost drainage. Follow our step by step guide to planting perennials. Echinops will self-seed freely and you can collect seed in autumn. Alternatively you can divide plants in autumn or spring, or take root cuttings when dormant.Echinops naturally fully die back in autumn. You can at that point cut back the stems to around 5cm above the soil surface, or you can opt to leave the stems and allow the dried flowerheads to provide structure in the autumn/winter garden. New growth will emerge from the base the following spring.To harvest Echinops seeds, first simply let their flowers bloom. In October, the achenes (the seeds of the globe thistle) will mature as the flower begins to dry. Now cut off the seeds, along with the flowerheads, and dry indoors.Plant plugs in the spring after all threat of frost has passed. Most echinops establish vegetative growth in year one and then flowering in year two. Flowers can be harvested at two different stages depending on what they are destined for.
How to collect Echinops seeds?
To harvest Echinops seeds, first simply let their flowers bloom. In October, the achenes (the seeds of the globe thistle) will mature as the flower begins to dry. Now cut off the seeds, along with the flowerheads, and dry indoors. Echinops (like deciduous species of eryngium) grow best in poor well drained soil in full sun but they will actually grow almost anywhere. The best tip is to remove the flower stems or spikes before they set seed and die off. This will encourage a second and even a third crop of flowers in a single long season.For best results grow Echinops ritro ‘Veitch’s Blue’ in free-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. Cut plants down after flowering to encourage a second flush of blooms. If clumps become congested, lift and divide them in autumn or spring.Echinops seedlings need a lot of root room to get started. Once the seedlings have developed their first pair of true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant into individual 3 inch pots. For autumn sown seedlings, pot on and grow for another year before planting outside permanently.Echinops Planting Guide I find Echinops easy to grow hardy perennials. I have tried them in various gardens where they thrived in very well-drained, often dry sandy soil as well as heavy, clay-loam. The only thing they do demand is a fair amount of sun.Echinops naturally fully die back in autumn. You can at that point cut back the stems to around 5cm above the soil surface, or you can opt to leave the stems and allow the dried flowerheads to provide structure in the autumn/winter garden. New growth will emerge from the base the following spring.
Do Echinops like full sun?
Echinops (like deciduous species of eryngium) grow best in poor well drained soil in full sun but they will actually grow almost anywhere. The best tip is to remove the flower stems or spikes before they set seed and die off. This will encourage a second and even a third crop of flowers in a single long season. A Pretty Perennial Planting Idea with Echinops, Eryngium and Sedum. Fairly easy to replicate, this interesting prairie planting includes a few spectacular elements which thrive on neglect while providing striking color and contrast for weeks.