Here are some notes on how to grow Echinacea. These hardy perennial plants are broadly referred to as Coneflowers. They are highly attractive to pollinators and make excellent cut flowers. They look spectacular in mass plantings.
Latin
Echinacea purpurea
Family: Asteraceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: Hardy to Zone 3
Timing
Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before planting out. If started indoors in late winter, Echinacea may bloom in the first year. It can also be direct sown in early spring or early fall. Germination should occur in 10-21 days.
Starting
Sow seeds shallowly at only 3mm (1/8″) deep. If starting indoors, provide total darkness and a soil temperature of 21-25°C (70-75°F). Once sprouts appear, provide bright light.
Growing
Space plants at 30-38cm (12-15″) apart in any average, well drained, slightly acidic soil. Water plants regularly for best results, keeping the leaves as dry as possible. Leave seed heads intact over winter to feed birds and provide shelter for beneficial insects.