How to Grow Echinacea - The Perennial Favorite of Medicinal Herbs

As one of the most well-known medicinal plants in the world, echinacea has long been used for its healing properties. Traditionally known as “Missouri snakeroot,” it has been used by Native Americans to treat fevers and heal wounds. It was introduced to Europe in the 19th century, where it is still used for its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Mainly the roots and leaves are used to make creams and ointments for external application to cuts, boils, acne and skin diseases. It can also be used as a gargle or mouthwash

Echinacea tea is one of the most common ways to enjoy the medicinal benefits of echinacea. 

• Cut fresh flowers and place them in a cup. 
• Cover with boiling water and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. 
• Sweeten with honey if desired.

Echinacea tea has a strong, earthy flavor. However, its floral taste can be improved by combining it with other herbs. Lavender and lemon balm can be added for their calming properties. Or combine with mint for an upset stomach. It is suggested to only use Echinacea tea as needed and not for more than 10 days at a time.

Echinacea tea is thought to boost the immune system and is used to treat coughs, colds, and internal infections. Small daily doses appear to work better than a one-time large amount to reduce symptoms of sore throat, cough, and fever. 

Echinacea roots can also be used for medicinal purposes. They are washed and dried and often made into a powder for supplements. If you’re looking to add echinacea to your herb arsenal, growing your own echinacea allows you to get it fresh without any additives.

Cautions: Do not take echinacea if on immunosuppressive medications, nursing, or pregnant.

Studies show that cold-moist stratification with light can improve germination rates for echinacea seeds. You can also direct sow echinacea seeds in the fall or the early spring. 

The seeds need light to germinate, so a warm and sunny location will be the best-growing space. 

Seeds should be planted ⅛ to ¼” deep and typically will take 10-20 days to germinate. 

Seeds started inside can be transplanted once the danger of frost has passed, but be careful not to disturb the roots when transplanting. 

Seedlings and new plants will need more frequent watering, but echinacea has deep roots and is drought resistant once it is well established. 

It can grow in all kinds of soil, but rich organic soil will produce more blooms. While echinacea can be planted in pots, it will need a big enough container to accommodate the deep roots. 

Mulching is usually all the fertilizing you need to do. After that, regular watering and weeding will keep the plants healthy, and no serious pests or diseases are likely to occur. 

High humidity can cause leaf spots or powdery mildew, so water in the morning rather than at night. 

Echinacea usually doesn’t bloom the first year when all the plant energy is used to develop deep roots. However, in locations with a long enough growing season, there may be one bloom at the end of summer or the beginning of fall. You can cut off flowers during the second summer to encourage more blooms. 

In the fall, you can leave the flowers on and allow the seeds to mature. The seeds provide food for birds and also fall to the ground where they can self-sow. 

Echinacea is a hardy perennial, so it will die back in the winter but grow back in the spring. If you decide to leave flower heads for birds and self-sowing, you can wait until spring when the new growth appears before cutting off the old stems. 

Coneflowers can be planted in large groupings for a beautiful display where they will bloom through the summer and into the first frost. Flowers will grow 2-4 feet high. After a few years, the roots can be divided in autumn or spring.

Echinacea has moved from the wild prairies to cultivated gardens around the world. The straight, sturdy stems of echinacea make a beautiful, long-lasting cut flower. You can use them in their flowering stage when the petals are fresh, and they will last in a vase for up to a week. You can also leave the flowers in the garden and allow the petals to fall off. The seed head will grow and develop, making it a visually attractive addition to dried and fresh flower arrangements.