Propagation of Echium
From seed:
Echium can be propagated from seed. The best time to sow seed is from late spring to early summer. Sow into a soil based compost, such as Sylvagrow with added John Innes. After sowing, cover the seed lightly and water sparingly to keep the compost slightly damp to the touch. Echium generally germinate well at temperatures of 13-16°C (55-61°F) and benefit from slight fluctuations between day and night temperatures, as this is what they would experience in their natural habitats.
Seedlings need to be overwintered at 5-7°C (41-45°F), therefore require a frost-free greenhouse, conservatory, or sunny windowsill. Hardy species (eg. E. vulgare) can be direct sown outside, either broadcast or in drills.
Propagating from seed is an inexpensive method of increasing your Echium plants, and cost free if you collect seed from existing plants. Some species will self-seed and you will find young plants at the base of the parent plant that can be transplanted elsewhere. Usually only seed collected from Echium species are the same as the parent plant. Seedlings from a named cultivated variety are likely to be extremely variable in appearance.
Most Echium will take two or three years from seed to flowering. Sow seed and pot on plants each year for a display of flowers every summer.
From cuttings:
Cuttings can be taken from shrubby species, either as softwood cuttings in late spring/early summer (May/June), or as semi-ripe cuttings towards the end of summer (August/September).