Learning Download: How to Grow Eryngium

Eryngium, also known as sea hollies, produce beautiful flowers that make a garden look unique and fascinating. They have spiny leaves and they bloom in clusters with teasel-like blossoms.

Before Planting: Sow Eryngium seeds indoors 10 to 16 weeks before the last frost. Light is required for the seeds to germinate, so do not cover them with soil. Harden the transplants off and move them outside after the last frost.

Planting: If Eryngium are sown directly into the garden, they may not bloom their first year. Prior to planting, use a warm stratification process for one month followed by cold stratification for one month, as well.

Watering: Eryngium does not require much watering, as it is drought tolerant and only needs to be watered during dry periods.

Fertilizer: Do not fertilize Eryngium as fertilizer can make the flowers spread and appear droopy.

Days to Maturity: Eryngium plants will bloom from July through September.

Harvesting: The plant’s flowers make excellent dried flowers as they keep their unique and vibrant color even after picked, and even after they have dried. The flowers should be cut when the cones are blue or white, depending on the variety.

Tips: once the flowers’ blooming period ends in the fall, cut the flowering stalks back, but leave the evergreen foliage.