Purple Echinacea Guide

Check out these large petaled Coneflowers to add a touch of color to your space. Bee sure not to disturb any fluttering friends as Echinacea's burnt orange center cone is sure to attract butterflies as well as our pollinating pals.

 

TO SOW

Purple Echinacea or coneflower grows best in warmer weather between 65°F-80°F. They do great in containers and small gardens. Bank on Seeds recommends transplanting.

If Direct Seeding

• Direct seed outside 4-5 weeks after last frost date; or

• Direct seed into a container 8-10 inches deep and wide anytime of the year. It can be placed outside when the temperature is between 65°F-80°F; or

If Transplanting

Begin the growing season early and start the flower seeds indoors in trays or pods 4 weeks before the last frost date; clingwrap the container to seal in the warmth. Germination is best and fastest between 70°F-80°F. It can be transplanted outside 8 weeks later.

Surface sow Purple echinacea seeds 12 inches apart by pressing them gently into well raked soil with rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Germination will take 10-30 days.

*Some people like to stratify the echinacea seeds by placing them between a folded damp towel in a plastic bag and keeping them in the fridge for 8-12 weeks before sowing them in warm soil*

TO GROW

Purple echinacea does well in any type if soil but likes well-draining, fertile soil free of weeds. They also like full sun and can withstand some light frosts. Water moderately - check the top 2-3 inches of soil and if it is dry, then water it. You can let dry between watering.

Apply mulch to the top of soil to retain moisture, regulate temperature and deter weeds. Fertilizer is not required but if you want, add compost to the soil once a year.

TO REAP

Echinacea is full grown in 45-60 days. Use the leaves and petals for making tea or keep them in the garden to attract butterflies and bees. Deadheading will encourage continued growth. Cut back the plant entirely to overwinter for next season. Blooms grow more in subsequent years.

PESTS/DISEASES

Sweet potato whitefly, aphids, Japanese beetles, mites, rabbits, powdery mildew- insecticidal soap spray, manual picking off or removing affected parts of the plant, ensure plenty of airflow and well-draining soil

*Plant coneflowers with bee balm, coreopsis, eggplant, broccoli, peppers, and tomatoes. *