How to Grow Echinacea
Echinacea, or purple coneflower, are great for perennial borders and bloom in early to late summer with large, showy flowers. The daisy like flowers are pink or pink-purple or white with one species that is yellow in color. These plants are drought tolerant with most species having a taproot or short compact rhizomes.
There are two species of Echinacea that are very popular in the United States and are quite easy to grow. They are:
E. angustifolia
This plant has long petals which can be
4-8 cm long. The petals are thin and rose purple to pale whitish
purple in color. The plant grows to 4 feet in height. It grows
well in zones 4-9.
A special note: this plant grows best in high elevation where the
winters are cold.
E. purpurea
This plant grows particularly well in residential gardens. It is native from Virginia to Iowa south to Georgia and Louisiana. It grows to one meter in height and has long stiff stems with one large cone of showy purple flowers. This flower is excellent for cutting and drying. Harvest should take place in late fall when both the plant and seeds are ripe. This plant grows best in low elevation where the winters are mild.
How to Grow
Echinacea is easy to grow from seed! Simply sow the seeds when the soil reaches 55-70 degrees Fahrenheit in the spring. Sow on the surface of the soil and after the seeds begin to germinate lightly cover the seeds with about 1/8 of an inch of soil. Thin the plants out so that they are 18 to 24 inches apart. Germination should occur within 10-20 days. After germination the plants will grow very quickly.
A few things to keep in mind when cultivating Echinacea are that most types of Echinacea will comfortably grow in zones 3-10 and they prefer part shade to full sun. The soil should be neutral, with a pH rating between 6 and 8 and well drained, however, they will generally do ok in clay laden soils as well. Be sure to control weeds as Echinacea will do better with less of them in their growing area. They will bloom from June to October and will attract butterflies and enhance any garden!
Pests and Diseases
There have been no significant diseases found which affect the roots of Echinacea plants, but cucumber mosaic virus has been noted to cause yellow mottling on the leaves. This appears to be a direct reaction to aphid leaf feeding. Therefore, aphid control on young plants is recommended.
Echinacea plants are an asset to any garden. Not only will they provide beauty, but they will also attract butterflies. What a beautiful, healthy addition to have in your garden!