Sea Holly (Eryngium planum), packet of 30 seeds, organic

Family:  Carrot (Apiaceae)

Hardy to Zones 5 to 9

(Sea Eryngo, Blaukappe, Blue Eryngo)   Taprooted perennial flowering blue to a height of 3 feet.  Native to central and southern Europe, eastern Europe, the Caucasus,  central Asia and Russia.  Produces in the first year a flat rosette of oblong leaves, flowering in the second year and ongoing from June through September, freely branching, with upright cones sporting neon-blue highlights subtended by a ring of star-like, radiating bracts.  Pollinator plant for bees, butterflies, wasps and other native beneficials.  Excellent color in flower garden or rockery.  Oft-used as a cut flower and also good in dried flower arrangements.  The roots, shoots and young leaves are edible.  Generally prepared as a boiled potherb–taste pleasantly reminiscent of chestnuts.  Traditional use of root and/or basal rosette (TWM):  antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal.  Diuretic and antispasmodic in treatment of prostatitis, urinary tract infection and menstrual cramping.  Source of chemopreventive falcarinol and antibacterial eryngial.  Plant prefers full sun to part shade. Not picky about pH.  Sandy soils, regular garden soils or poor, nutrient-divested, dry soils are all tolerated.  Most colorful when grown in full sun in dryish soils.  Sow seed in the spring in flats outdoors or any time in the greenhouse.  Germination is rapid in warm conditions.  Barely cover seeds and tamp.  Keep moist, warm, and in the light.  Transplant seedlings out to the garden or rockery in mid-spring.  Space plants 2 feet apart.

30 seeds/pkt., Certified Organically Grown