This hardy perennial offer a blast of texture to the garden (and vase if you are brave enough to handle the spines!) with its blue spiky flowers borne in sprays on the plants.  Very prickly, but so fun!
 
Approximately 20 seeds/pkt.
Please note: this seed requires cold stratification to ensure successful germination.  The easiest way to do this is to sow in very late fall and allow nature to do the rest!  Alternatively, you can surface sow (seed needs light to germinate) 10-12 weeks before your last frost by placing seed onto moist soil and gently pressing in.  Cover with a humidity dome and place in fridge for 4-5 weeks to achieve stratification.  Remove and bring in to warmth for germination and growth.  Transplant out once acclimatized and hardened off after last frost.