Is Echinops easy to grow from seed?
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 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. Follow our step-by-step guide to taking root cuttings. Some echinops can be propagated by division in spring and autumn.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.How to propagate Echinops. Propagate Echinops by seed. Seed, which is produced in abundance, can be collected in autumn and sown fresh or the following spring on to moist seed compost before covering with grit or vermiculite.Very tolerant of soil type and quality. Once established, echinops are quite drought tolerant. Grows best in slightly acidic, well draining soil. Long day plants, flower during the long days of summer.Growth Habit: Echinops is an upright, clump-forming perennial that has thistle-like texture (thorns included) and a large taproot. It blooms from July to August with a spiky golf ball-sized flower head. The sometimes-branching stalks grow from a basal foliage rosette.
What is echinops ritro used for?
Echinops ritro L. Asteraceae) is traditionally used in the treatment of bacterial/fungal infections and respiratory and heart ailments. A full sun lover (partial shade is tolerated), Echinops ritro thrives in poor, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Rich soils are to be avoided. Tolerant of hot and humid summers. While moisture is required during its growing season, this plant is drought-tolerant thereafter.
How do you collect echinops ritro 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 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. Follow our step-by-step guide to taking root cuttings. Some echinops can be propagated by division in spring and autumn.
Where is the best place to plant Echinops?
This perennial requires full sun to perform best, and thrives on poor, gravelly, sandy soils. Echinops looks great in mixed borders and gravel gardens. The nectar-rich flowers are loved by bees and butterflies, and its architectural seed heads continue will provide interest through autumn and winter. Echinops & Achillea plant combination. Strong structural elements and a striking colour contrast create a pairing that will look great in summer.