How to Grow Sea Holly
Eryngium Germination Information
Eryngium is the botanical name for Sea Holly
How to Sow Eryngium : - Both species are best sown indoors at a depth of 4 times the size of the seeds
- Prechill E. bourgatii at 40° for 2 months, then sow at 40°
- Expect germination in 12-20 days
- No need to prechill E. planum; sow it at 68-70° and expect germination in 10-15 days
- Both species can be sown outdoors in early spring through summer, up to two months before first frost
- When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed
How to Grow Eryngium: Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves
Soil: Plant thrives in dry, sandy, poor soils
Lighting: Plant in full sun and prune to keep the plants tidy
Additional Care: Despite the weaponry of
spines, a few pests and diseases are bold enough to infect the Sea Hollies: namely root rot, slugs,
and powdery mildew. Protect from excess moisture in winter and mulch when dormant
Appearance and Use: They add blue flower and leaf color and spiky texture to a border or wildflower
garden. Flowers cut well for use both fresh and dried. Eryngium bourgatii grows 1-2 feet
tall with blue-green palmate leaves with spiny teeth and a display of striking white leaf veins. The
round flower head of small, silvery blue flowers sits atop spiny, silver bracts. As a whole, this plant
makes quite a fearsome impact. Eryngium planum is very similar, but larger in habit, to 3 feet, and
generally less fearsome. The basal leaves are heart-shaped and bear no spines
About Eryngium: Pronunciation: e-rin’je-um
Lifecycle: Perennial
Origination: Apiaceae, native to Europe and Asia
Common Name: Sea Holly