Flower SeedsHSC-ECP-001-PKT

Ritro Echinops Seed — natural held bouquet

Ritro Echinops Seed — ritro natural dried stems

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Echinops ritro

365Days to maturity

A seed worth growing

Ritro Echinops Seed

Item #HSC-ECP-001-PKT

Perennial steel-blue globes.

Globes 1–3" across turn steel blue as they mature and dry beautifully, bringing texture and color to fresh and dried designs. It has fewer spines than similar kinds, though the foliage can still prick, so wear gloves.

Blooms start in midsummer of its second season. Handles heat and drought once established. Also called southern globe thistle. Hardy in Zones 3–8. An heirloom.

Flowers in the second year, on plants 30–48" tall. Open-pollinated.

Specs

Packet: 50 seeds
Average 1,700 seeds per oz.
Plant height: 30–48"

In stock — Packet

$6.40

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Know before you sow

Quick Facts

Latin Name: Echinops ritro
Days To Maturity: 365 days
Life Cycle: Perennial
Hybrid Status: Open Pollinated
Product Features

Growing times vary with weather, soil and local conditions.

Growing guide

From seed to harvest

Barely cover

Light helps.

18–24" apart

Blooms from year two.

Cut half blue

Wear gloves.

Divide every 4–5 years

Prevents crowding.

Growing Information

Days to germination

About 14–21 days, held at 65–75°F (18–24°C).

Starting indoors

Recommended. Sow in 50-cell flats 6–8 weeks before planting out, covered just enough to hold the seed; a little light helps. Harden off and set out after frost.

Direct sowing

Once soil reaches at least 65°F, covered lightly.

Plant spacing

18–24". Divide every 4–5 years to avoid crowding.

Soil

Average, well-drained soil; once settled it handles hot, dry, poor ground.

Light

Full sun is best; tolerates part shade.

Harvest

Cut when half to three-quarters of the globe has turned blue and hang to dry. Globes cut too late will shatter. Wear gloves.

Uses

Fresh or dried flowers that hold their color; mid-border perennial beds. Bees love it.

Hardiness

Perennial in Zones 3–8.

Plant height

30–48".

Scientific name

Echinops ritro

Packet

50 seeds.

Seeds per oz.

About 1,700 on average.

Satisfaction Guarantee

We want every packet you buy from Hensley’s Seed Co. to grow well for you.

If anything you order from us doesn’t meet your expectations, just let us know and we’ll replace it or refund what you paid.

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