I planted one seed in April 2007 directly in the ground and with some warm weather for that time of year it germinated within a couple of weeks. There were no frosts after March that year so the seedling didn't experience any set-backs. The winter of 07/08 was extremely mild with my garden reaching a low of -3.2°c so the echium coped fine outside in a favourable position tucked right up against the house. It began growing rapidly the following March and provided a spectacle from very early on and throughout most of the summer. 13 months from seed to flower is quite impressive for this plant in the UK. |
