Echinacea Seeds
a.k.a. Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea, E. hybrida, E. paradoxa
How to plant Echinacea seedsEchinacea, also known as purple coneflower are tough, heat tolerant, drought and deer resistant perennials. Their large flowers attract a variety of butterflies, and are a particular favorite of the Monarch.
How to Plant and Grow Echinacea
Plant Echinacea Seeds: Sow echinacea seed in cell packs or flats, press into soil and cover lightly. Kept at 70°F., germination averages 10-21 days. Can direct sow echinacea seeds into prepared seed beds, ⅛ in. deep in groups of 3-4 seeds, spaced 18-24 in. apart. Thin to the strongest seedling.
Tips for producing beefy echinacea plants under fluorescent lights: To maximize vegetative growth after germination provide 18-24 hours of artificial light per day. Move your echinacea plants outdoors when natural day length has reached 13+ hours (early to mid April). If plants that bloom quickly are your priority, provide 9 hours of light per day for the first two weeks after germination, and then 14 hours per day thereafter.
Grow Echinacea: Full sun. Echinacea will tolerate some drought once established; performance is better with regular water. Purple coneflowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Blooms are long lasting when cut. Plants are deer resistant. Our favorite echinaceas to grow in containers are Cheyenne Spirit, the PowWows—Wild Berry and White, and the Prairie Splendors—Deep Rose, Rose Compact, and White Compact.
