Echium (commonly known as Viper's Bugloss) is a biennial that flowers from late spring to early fall. Depending on variety, Echium's flowers can range between white, pink, blue, and purple, and they appear in tall spikes.

Echium seeds are best started directly outdoors after all frost danger has passed.

Echium should be grown in an area of full sun in average to sandy soil that drains well.

• For outdoor sowing (recommended), first prepare a seedbed by removing weeds and breaking up soil.
• Surface sow 2-3 seeds per plant, then cover lightly with a thin layer of sand or soil.
• Keep seeds moist until germination, and maintain a temperature of 60-65F degrees. Under ideal conditions, germination should occur in 2-3 weeks, but can take as long as 8 weeks.
• Once seedlings are established, thin to the strongest seedling at a spacing of 18 inches between each plant.

• Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.
• Mulches play a vital role in preserving soil moisture and ensuring consistent soil temperatures. When it comes to annuals, using organic mulch made from shredded leaves not only enhances the appearance of the bed but also enriches the soil as it decomposes over time. Remember to keep mulch away from the plant stems to avoid potential rot issues.
• Echium produces a deep tap root, and doesn't transplant well. As such, it should only be sown in its permanent growing location.
• Echium is drought-tolerant once established, and only needs to be watered in dry conditions.
• Fertilization is unnecessary, but can still be performed if a particularly lush plant is desired.
• Deadheading spent flowers will encourage further blooming and prevent aggressive self-sowing.