Globe Thistle Blue Seeds – Heirloom Perennial Classic

Ontario Grown
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In Stock - Shipped within 5 days

Contains about 1 gram of seeds

$2.20

SKU: GS-9907-GLO-DEF

Free shipping on orders over $50

Organicly grown

Non GMO

Description

Echinops 'Ritro Blue' (Echinops ritro), commonly known as Globe Thistle, is a striking open-pollinated perennial heirloom prized for its bold architectural structure and metallic steel-blue spherical flower heads. Growing into sturdy clumps 3 to 4 feet tall, it features deeply lobed, spiny dark green foliage with silver-white undersides. In mid to late summer, hundreds of tiny, violet-blue starry florets open simultaneously across perfectly round, golf-ball-sized globes. Highly resilient, drought-tolerant, and exceptionally attractive to pollinators, Ritro Blue brings unique texture to garden borders, cut flower arrangements, and dried floral crafts.

Specifications

Plant Name: Echinops 'Ritro Blue' / Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro)
Cultivar Type: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
Plant Class: Warm-Season Herbaceous Perennial / Flowering Garden Ornamental
Color: Metallic steel-blue to violet-blue flower globes, silver-green spiny foliage
Plant Characteristics: Upright clumping habit (36–48 inches tall / 90–120 cm), spherical 1.5-inch flower heads, spiny thistle-like leaves, deep taproot, high pollinator magnet capability
Suitable Space: Perennial borders, gravel gardens, cottage plots, cut flower rows, dry sunny slopes
Season: Midsummer through Early Autumn Bloom (Perennial, Zone 3–9 Hardiness)
Best Time for Sowing (Zone 6b): Start seeds indoors February through March 8 to 10 weeks before last spring frost (sow 0.25 inches deep). Direct sow outdoors late May after frost danger passes. Cold stratify seeds in refrigerator 7 to 14 days prior to sowing to improve germination rates. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
Sunlight: Full Sun (6+ hours direct sunlight daily required for strong stems, vivid blue coloration)
Watering Needs: Low to Moderate (drought-tolerant once established; thrives in average to lean, well-drained soil, avoiding soggy root conditions)
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What is included?

Contains about 1 gram of seeds

Check out the growing specs for the specific organic heirloom seeds you bought.

Good to know

Bold spherical steel-blue flower heads add unique architectural form, texture to garden beds
Exceptional performance as fresh-cut flower or long-lasting dried floral craft material
Outstanding drought tolerance and cold hardiness, thriving in poor, dry soils

Prickly, spiny foliage requires gloves when handling, cutting stems
Takes until second season to reach full flowering capacity after establishing deep taproot system

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