Globe thistles impress with their striking appearance and attractive colouring. The extremely easy-care plants can be propagated relatively easily by seeds.

The seeds for sowing can be collected after flowering

Buy seeds or harvest them yourself

Globe thistle seeds are available from any well-stocked garden store. Alternatively, you can use seeds from your own plant. Cut off the inflorescences that have just faded and gently shake out the seeds. Store the seed in a cool, dry place until sowing.

When do you sow?

The best time for sowing is March or April. The globe thistle is a cold and warm germ and therefore makes no special demands on the ambient temperature.

Sowing the globe thistle

Although globe thistles can also be sown directly outdoors, sowing in seed boxes is recommended. To do this, proceed as follows:

  • Fill the bowls with potting soil.
  • Draw grooves with a wooden stick.
  • Carefully place the seeds in the grooves.
  • Cover with soil, since Echinops belongs to the dark germs.
  • Moisten the substrate with a sprayer.
  • Place the lid on the seed box, but do not close it completely.

After about twenty days, the first seedlings appear. As soon as they have reached a height of about ten centimetres, the globe thistle is pricked out in rows.

Transplant outdoors

In order for the plants to thrive, it is advisable to cultivate them in small pots in the first year and only transplant them to their final place in autumn. Cover the small globe thistles with some brushwood or plant fleece, as the young plants are sensitive to frost.

Care of the young plants

Echinops is a very undemanding plant that requires little maintenance. It should only be watered sparingly when the soil feels really dry. There is no need to fertilize in the first year.

tips

In a suitable location, the globe thistle often propagates by self-sowing, provided you leave the flower heads on the plant after the flowers have faded.

Category:

Herbs