• Blue Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro) Seeds
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Jig-Bee Flower Farm

Blue Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro) Seeds

Perennial / Biennial

Description

Echinops Ritro

A striking perennial prized for its sculptural, steel-blue flower heads. Round blooms measuring 1–3 inches develop from soft green buds into shimmering blue globes. The flowers dry beautifully, making them a standout addition to both fresh and everlasting arrangements.

Plants have fewer spines than many globe thistle varieties, though the stems and foliage can still be a bit prickly—gloves are recommended when harvesting. Expect plants to begin flowering in mid-summer of their second year after planting.

Once established, this hardy perennial thrives in hot, dry conditions and asks for very little fuss. It is winter hardy in Zones 3–8 and returns year after year with its signature architectural shimmery blue blooms.

$ 4.95
$ 4.95
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Size
    Planting Instructions

    SOWING:

    Transplant: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before planting out. Sow on the surface and press into place. Can be direct sown.

    Germination Requirements:  Cover lightly as light aids germination

    Days to Germination: Germinates in 4-21 days at 68°F

    GROWING:

    Light Preference: Full sun preferred, tolerates part shade

    Soil Requirements: Average, well-drained soil. Tolerates hot, dry, and poor soils conditions, once established.

    Winter Hardiness: Winter hardy in Zones 3–8

    Plant Height:    30-48 inches

    Plant Spacing:  12-18” for cut flowers, 18-24" for landscape. Divide after 4-5 years to prevent crowding

    Flower Support: Not necessary

    Days to Bloom: 365 days, blooms second year

    Deer Resistant: Yes

    HARVEST AND VASE LIFE:

    Yield: Estimated 3-4 stems per plant (1 main stem and 2-3 side stems)

    Harvest Fresh: Stems are ready to be cut when globes have fully formed and are starting to show color. Can harvest until up to ¼ of florets have opened up. If harvested when more than 1/4 of the flowers are open, the flower will shed pollen and be messy. Less mature side stems may droop initially, but will rehydrate ia few hours after placing in the cooler. 

    Harvest Dry:  Harvest before florets begin to open to prevent dried flowers from shattering. 

    Expected Vase Life: Approximately 7-10 days. Harvest and hold in plain water. Can store in cooler for up to 1 week. 

    Seed Saving: The thistle spikes will turn brown and will easily crumble off the pod when they are ready to harvest.  Spread the seed heads on a screen to dry further. Thresh by stomping or crushing with gloved hands. Dehull by scraping on a window screen or 6/64 x 3/4 oblong screen.  

    USES: 

    Cut Flower, Dried Flower  Garden Beds, and Beneficial Insect Plantings, Drought tolerant, Deer resistant.

    ALTERNATE NAME:  

    Globe thistle, southern globethistle
    Shipping Information

    Seeds are shipped via USPS. Any orders placed after 12pm on Friday or over the weekend will be filled the following week. Please allow 2-3 business days for your seed order to be processed.
    We do not ship internationally.
    Blue Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro) Seeds