Echinops plants

nikki 7

Hello folks

I have echinops plants in my garden which the bees adore, but I'm moving home, quite soon.  Will I be able to grown echinops from seed heads for my new garden, or do I need to dig them up and take root cuttings?  I checked out youtube, but can't find any info on this subject.  Any advice would be much appreciated.

Nikki 7

BobTheGardener

Mine self seed all over the place, so I expect yours will produce viable seed.  However, you will need a ripe (brown) seed head which is naturally starting to shed the seed.  Taking a head which is still green won't work, so if none have ripened before you move, you will need to use root cuttings.  Having said that, if you ask for some seed on the seed swap thread, I'm certain someone will send you some.

Loxley

A day or two before moving, I would cut them right down to the ground and pot them up. Then plant them out in your new place when you have time. You might want to just take one or two, and divide them in autumn to propagate new plants, and take some seed heads as backup.

Obelixx

Might be best just to buy a packet of seed for the new garden.  When I grew plants from seed from plants in my last garden I found they'd lost the lovely blue of the flowers and were a muddy blue/grey.   Still attractive to pollinators but not to me so I have bought fresh seed for this garden.   Chiltern Seeds and Plant World both have a selection.

nikki 7

Many thanks for the advice folks.  As always much appreciated.  My garden just wouldn't be the same without echinops plants and all those lovely bees.

Nikki7

Lyn

I agree, buy a new packet of seeds.