Plug Connection
Eryngium
A true perennial, hardy to zone 3. This series will flower the first year, with more abundant yields on longer stems in subsequent years. The long stems are long lasting as a fresh cut, and they also dry well.
Sold in a 128 tray, billed as 125
Order 8 or more weeks in advance of desired ship date
Blue Glitter photo courtesy of Kent Miles, Illinois Willows. White Glitter photo from Benary
Order Minimums & Tray Sizes
The minimum Plug Connection order is four total trays (each tray can be a different variety)
A full shipping box contains FOUR 128 cell trays or a combination of 128 and 288 cell trays.
*If you are only ordering 288 cell trays, then FIVE trays will fill a box.
Growing Guides
Click here to access our comprehensive growing guides containing everything you need to know about this crop.
| Common Name | Eryngium, Sea Holly |
| Genus | Eryngium |
| Species | Multiple (Glitter series are E. planum) |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Life Cycle | Herbaceous Perennial |
| Format | Plugs |
| Plug Care | Harden off and plant out or bump up into larger cells soon after receiving plugs to avoid them becoming stressed or rootbound. |
| Netting / Staking | Not necessary. |
| Temperature Range | Hardiness zones 3-8. Grow best at temperatures between 60-70F and struggle with extreme heat. |
| Spacing | 18-24" - Plants will slowly grow larger with each passing season but rarely need to be divided. |
| Soil Preference | Well draining soil is essential, eryngium is sensitive to overwatering. After establishing in their new bed they are quite drought tolerant and can withstand sandy, even salty conditions along a coast. |
| Day Length | Long-day plant. Plant in full sun. |
| Pinching | Do not pinch. |
| When to Plant | Plant plugs in spring, after threat of frost has passed. Can be planted later in the season but you won't see flowers until the following year. |
| Harvesting | Excellent for fresh or dry use. Cut entire stem down to the base of the plant when the flowers and bracts turn blue or white (depending on cultivar). Cut stems should immediately placed in cool water. |
| Post Harvest Care | Hang upside-down to air dry (Use a desiccant to preserve the intense blue coloration) or use fresh - expect a vase life of 7-10 days and use a floral preservative to maximize vase life. Can be stored in a cooler at 40F which has been reported to intensify the color. |
| Diseases / Insects | Eryngium is fairly resistant of most pests and diseases, but like most plants can be attacked by aphids. Root rot is a leading issue in poorly drained soils. |
| Bailey's Notes | Both Blue Glitter and White Glitter will flower first year if planted early in the season, but don't expect much of a show year one. Each year the plants will get progressively larger and produce more stems for cutting. |
| Resources |
Kolster Culture Sheet (downloads as .pdf) |