Overview
Echinacea, also known as Coneflowers, are tough little native flowers that draw butterflies, bees, and birds to the garden. They are incredibly easy to grow, drought tolerant, and grow to bloom very quickly.
Conditions
Echinacea prefer well-drained soil and full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight per day), but are tolerant of both poor soil conditions and lower light levels if required.
Planting
Echinacea are most commonly started indoors in pots or trays, then transplanted to the garden when the weather is warm. Use our grow calendar tool to find specific planting dates for your region! Seeds germinate in 10-15 days.
Plant seeds in starter pots or trays 8-10 weeks before transplanting outside. Transition outside (harden) for 7 days before outdoor transplant. Space at least 18-24" apart for full-sized plants.
Harden off and transplant outside in late spring or early summer
Care & Harvest
Note - echinacea are perennial flowers, and thus may not flower the first year after planting.
For overwintering, cut back the plant prior to cold weather.
For harvesting the flower, harvest when the petals are expanding. For harvesting the cone, harvest when the cone is raised and has turned golden.