Echinops - Ritro
Echinops - Ritro
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Steel-blue globes, 1–3" wide, mature with a striking color. Retains texture and color both in fresh and dried arrangements. Spines are minimal compared to similar types. Gloves are recommended for harvesting due to slight prickliness of leaves and stems. Blooms in mid-summer of second year after planting. Withstands hot and dry conditions once established. Also known as the southern globethistle. Perennial in zones 3–8.
25 seeds
KEY GROWING INFORMATION
DAYS TO GERMINATION:
14-21 days at 65-75°F (18-24°C)
SOWING:
Transplant (recommended) - Sow into 50-cell flats, or preferred seedling container, 6-8 weeks before planting out. Cover seeds enough to hold them in place, but not too deeply, as some light aids germination. Harden off and transplant outdoors once there is no danger of frost. Direct seed - Sow once the soil temperature has reached at least 65°F. Cover seeds lightly with soil.
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
Full sun preferred, tolerates partial shade.
PLANT HEIGHT:
30-48".
PLANT SPACING:
18-24". Divide after 4-5 years to prevent overcrowding.
HARDINESS ZONES:
Zones 3-9.
HARVEST:
Fresh cut or dried - Harvest when 1/2 to 3/4 of the globe has turned blue. Hang to dry. If harvested too late, the globes will shatter.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS:
Average, well-drained soil. Tolerates hot, dry, and poor soils conditions, once established.
USES:
Fresh or dried cut flower. Holds color perfectly as a dried flower. Mid-border perennial beds. Loved by bees.
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Echinops ritro
ALTERNATE NAMES:
Globe thistle, southern globethistle
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