How to Grow Eryngium

Known as Sea Holly as it thrives in the sandy, well drained soil near seashores. The seeds of Eryingium can be tricky to germinate, but if you follow our How to Grow Eryngium instructions, you should have good success.

General
Good drainage is fundamental to growing this plant.

Latin
Eryngium planum
Family: Apiaceae

Difficulty
Somewhat challenging

Exposure: Full sun
Zone: Hardy to Zone 5

Timing
Germination can be slow, and the seeds benefit from vernalization. Sow pre-moistened flats and seal them in plastic bags in late. Refrigerate for two to three weeks. Then move the flats outdoors to a shady location after all threat of frost has passed. Transplant as seedlings appear, which usually takes two to three weeks. Or, more simply, direct sow in the fall.

Starting
Sow seeds 2mm (1/8″) deep. Germination can take 5 to 90 days, so be patient.

Growing
Water only during very dry spells. Carefully mulch around the crowns with fine gravel to keep plants dry over winter. The long taproots make transplanting difficult.