How to Grow Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro)

Globe thistle has prickly-looking balls of steel blue flowers on plants that grow up to 4 feet.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bypass Pruners
• Compost Makers
• Fertilizers
• Hand Cultivators
• Mulch
• Plants
• Seeds

Choosing Globe Thistle

1. Look for plants at nurseries in spring and summer, and into fall in warmer climates.

2. Buy globe thistle in 6-inch to 1-gallon containers.

3. Choose healthy-looking plants with signs of new growth in leaves and flower buds.

Planting Globe Thistle

1. Plant globe thistle in full sun in well-drained soil.

2. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole.

3. Place the plants no deeper than the depth of the containers they were growing in.

4. Set the plants 1 foot apart.

5. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost.

6. Water well until soil is completely moist.

Caring for Globe Thistle

1. Cut off any remaining stems from the previous year in early spring using bypass pruners.

2. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost.

3. Cut off old flower stems in summer using bypass pruners for a second bloom in mild climates.