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Level: Challenging

Echinops ritro (ball thistle)

Echinops ritro (ball thistle)

EUR3.31
EUR3,31
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Sustainability

We try to produce as sustainably as possible to keep our footprint small. Therefore, our letterbox boxes are made of grass paper and tomato leaf pulp is the basic component of the seed bags. The printing is either made of paper that is 30-70% recycled paper or paper that comes from agricultural waste. In addition, you have the option to plant a tree when you place an order through Regreener.

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If there is one plant that bees and butterflies go completely crazy for, it is Echinops ritro. The ball thistle produces extravagant blue balls that dry very nicely in winter. Sometimes a bit difficult to cut for a bouquet because of the stimuli, but very beautiful to use!

Name Echinops ritro (ball thistle)
Type Fixed
Contents 0.5 grams / approx. 30 seeds / approx. 0.5 - 1 m2
Color Blue
Height 90 cm
Location Full sun
Suitable for pot or balcony No
Toxic No
Dryflower Yes

Pre-sowing February - May / August - November
Direct Sowing April - June
Flowering June - September

Indoors
Sow indoors in a deep container or pot. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of vermiculite, they need light to germinate. Put them in a room at about 20 degrees in a bright spot but away from direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist. After germination, put in a cooler room and repot once the seedlings are large enough. Spring seedlings can be planted out after the last night frost at 50 cm intervals. Autumn seedlings must grow for a year before transplanting.

Sow directly
Sow directly into the soil from April to June when the chance of frost has passed. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Do not do this during heavy rain or on hot days to prevent the seed from washing away or drying out. Keep the soil moist. Thin out to seedlings 30 cm apart.

Which is what?

The terms may be new to you, here's what they all mean:

Annual- plants that bloom one summer and then die
Biennial- plants that you sow one year, and bloom the next year (and then die)
Perennial- plants that bloom several summers
Perennial- plants that survive frost and last for years

How many hours of sunshine?

Annuals plants almost without exception grow only in full sun. That means that you preferably need more than 8 hours of summer sun in the place where you want to grow them, for example from 10 - 18 hours. 6 - 7 hours will also go a long way, but the plants will grow just a little slower.

What soil?

Unless otherwise specified, annuals want nutrient-rich soil with extra compost in the spring. Read more about it in the Seed Guide.

Seediguide

Never seeded before? We'll get you started with a Sowing Guide explaining the basics and supplies.

Storing seeds

On the package of your seeds you will find the shelf life. You can use them until the date you see on it. An opened package is best stored in an airtight box in a cool and dark place, such as a closet in the hallway. Not sure if the germination is still good? Then it's best to buy a new pack. We deliberately choose small amounts of seeds in the packs so you don't have to waste seeds. Do you have any questions about this? Call 033 - 202 43 38 or email to [email protected], and we will help you further.

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learn to grow your own

No experience with self-sowing and growing plants yet? No problem! We'll explain the basics so you can get started. Read the Sowing Guide here.

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