Echinacea - Key Growing Information

Echinacea flowers, useful as a cut flower, to support beneficial insect populations, and in medicinal teas and tinctures.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:

10-15 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C).

SOWING:

Transplant (recommended): Sow 8-10 weeks before planting outside. Transplant into cell packs or larger containers after the first true leaves appear, 30-40 days after sowing the seed. Harden off and transplant outside in late spring or early summer.

DIRECT SEED:

Sow in spring when soil is warm, 65°F (18°C). Sow in groups of 3-4 seeds, 1/8" deep. Thin to one plant. Sow in the fall to allow the oscillating temperatures and natural rain to stimulate germination.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:

Sun. Will tolerate partial shade.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:

Average, well-drained soil.

PLANT SPACING:

18-24". Division is necessary only when the plants appear crowded.

HARDINESS ZONES:

Zones 3-10.

HARVEST:

For fresh flowers, harvest when petals are expanding. For harvest of fresh cones, the center should be raised and golden-colored. For dried flowers, after removing petals, hang to dry. For dried cones, remove petals before hanging.

USES:

Cut flower. Seed heads can be used fresh or dried. For beds, borders, mass, or wildflower plantings.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Echinacea spp.

ALTERNATE NAMES:

Coneflower, purple coneflower, eastern purple coneflower