How to Grow Euphorbia Myrsinites from Seed

Each yellow bract on the flowers will produce fertile seed.

Myrtle spurge is the common name for Euphorbis myrsinites, an evergreen perennial with a trailing habit. The thick, leathery leaves have a matte finish and spiral up the 4- to 8-inch bluish-green stems. At the terminal end, unusual yellow rosettes form and produce copious seed. The plants are notorious for growing in poor soil and in dry conditions once established. Myrtle spurge has a huge taproot and will form new stems in spring when some die back in cold weather. The plant spreads by seed and sows easily. It spreads so well that it is a Class B noxious weed in some states, including Washington.

Things You'll Need

• Euphorbia myrsinites seed head
• Paper bag
• Shovel
• Sand
• Compost
• Rake
• Water

Instructions

1. Collect seed heads in late summer. Allow the seed heads to dry on the counter or in a dry, warm location. Place them in a paper bag and shake until the seeds fall out of the bracts.

2. Use a shovel in the spring to break up the earth in a sunny location. Work in 3 to 5 inches of sand and 4 to 6 inches of compost. Rake the bedding area free of rocks, weeds, roots and other debris.

3. Scatter the seed loosely in the prepared bed for a ground cover. If you wish to grow individual plants for transplant, sow the seed by twos, 6 inches apart. Dust the seed with sand, providing just enough on top so the wind doesn't blow away the seed. Water the bed using a hose attachment set on mist so the seed isn't buried but can become evenly moist.

4. Keep the bed misted but not soggy for the next two weeks or until germination occurs. Germination is best when temperatures are at least 68 F. The seed will sprout in lower spring temperatures, too, but it may take longer.

5. Thin scattered seedlings to one plant every four inches. Transplant the spurge when it develops its first trailing stem. Euphorbia doesn't need fertilizer to thrive and can be allowed to dry out completely between watering. Cut off the seed heads in spring to avoid spreading the spurge. Divide the plants every two or three years to keep them tight and close.

Tips & Warnings

• Use gloves and eye protection when handling and, especially, cutting the plant. Euphorbia has toxic sap that can be dangerous to some people.

References

• Missouri Botanical Garden: Euphorbia Myrsinites
• University of Wisconsin Extension Master Gardeners; Euphorbia Myrsinites; Susan Mahr; May 2009
• Whatcom County Noxious Weed Control Board: Myrtle Spurge
• Tom Clothier's Garden Walk and Talk: Seed Germination Database