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Long lived perennial, known as Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), that produces large beautiful flowers for an extended growing season. Plants grow to 24 to 30 inches tall and are drought tolerant. Coneflower plants look great in a mass planting, and also do well in pollinator gardens. Start echinacea seeds indoors for early blooms.
Echinacea is also a popular medicinal herb that is commonly used in tea or tincture.
Start indoors and transplant out after danger of frost is passed. Can tolerate variable soil. Rich soil supplemented with organic matter and fertilizer will result in larger blooms. Collect flowers immediately after they appear to use for tea or tincture. Pinch back spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Purple Coneflower Seeds Growing Details | |
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Botanical Name | Echinacea purpurea |
Plant Spacing | 18-24” |
Planting Depth | 1/4” |
Spread | 1-2’ |
Height | 2-3’ |
Germination Temp | 65-70 °F |
Light Required | Full Sun |
Life Cycle | Perennial |
Days to Germination | 10-20 Days |
Days to Maturity | 120-140 Days |
Planting Zone | 4-9 |
Flower Form | Large Cone-Shape |
Yield | High |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Growing Season | Spring - Fall |
Blooming Season | Summer - Fall |
Echinacea tea is thought to boost the immune system and is used to help with 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.
Cautions: Do not take echinacea if on immunosuppressive medications, nursing, or pregnant.
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.
When coneflowers begin to die off their petals will dry out and turn brown. The seed head in the center of the flower will become spiky. Snip the flowers and separate the seeds from the seed head when they can easily be removed. Let these seeds fully dry, then store them in a cool, dark location to plant again another season.