Echium pininana

Germination

Sow indoors from late May-July. Sow 3mm deep into moist well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 21°C. Germination takes 21-45 days. When large enough to handle transplant seedlings to 8cm pots and overwinter in a cool greenhouse, conservatory or well lit windowsill temp. 5-7°C. Plant out the following spring 90cm spacing.

Growing

Prefers a well-drained always moist, soil in full sun. Needs to survive 2 winters before it will flower. Can also be grown in a 30cm pot in a cool greenhouse.

Cultivation

Quite cold hardy, but protect base of the plant over winter. If plant is not going to flower it can be made to branch by cutting the growing tip out with a sharp knife in October. This will create a multi-headed plant the following year.