More Information
| Botanical Name |
Echinops ritro |
| Seeds Per Pack |
50 |
| Life Cycle |
Perennial |
| Min. Time to Germinate |
15 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate |
2 Months |
| Depth to Sow Seeds |
1/16 in. |
| When to Sow |
Indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost |
| Minimum Seed Spacing |
1" |
| Growing Height |
24-36 in. (60-90 cm) |
| Plant Spacing |
15-18 in. (38-45 cm) |
| Hardiness |
USDA Zone 3a: to -35F, USDA Zone 3b: to -30F, USDA Zone 4a: to -25F, USDA Zone 4b: to -20F, USDA Zone 5a: to -15F, USDA Zone 5b: to -10F, USDA Zone 6a: to -5F, USDA Zone 6b: to 0F, USDA Zone 7a: to 5F, USDA Zone 7b: to 10F, USDA Zone 8a: to 15F, USDA Zone 8b: to 20F, USDA Zone 9a: to 25F, USDA Zone 9b: to 30F |
| Sun Exposure |
Sun to Partial Shade |
| Danger |
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling |
| Bloom Color |
Blue-Violet, Light Blue, Medium Blue |
| Bloom Time |
Late Summer/Early Fall |
| Foliage |
Blue-Green, Bronze-Green, Silver/Gray, Smooth-Textured |
| Other Details |
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater, Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping |
| Soil pH Requirements |
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic), 5.6 to 6.0 (acidic) |
| Propagation Methods |
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets), From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall, From seed; sow indoors before last frost, From seed; stratify if sowing indoors, From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse |
| Seed Collecting |
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds, Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed |
Globe Thistle are impressive perennials known for their dramatic presence, drought tolerance, and deer resistance. wide steel-blue globes, attractive to butterflies, and ideal for fresh or dried arrangements, with minimal spines for easier harvesting. Gloves are recommended when handling these slightly prickly plants, which bloom mid-summer in their second year and contribute to diverse and wildlife-friendly garden settings.
