How to Grow Sea Holly

Eryngium Germination Information

Eryngium is the botanical name for Sea Holly
Eryngium Seed Germination 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