Purple Coneflower / Echinacea Purpurea
Echinacea Purpurea
This classic purple flower is an excellent addition to your cottage garden! An easy-to-grow perennial that works great as a cut flower, its cones are perfect for drying and its loved by the bees.
Can be planted in the fall in zones 6-8.
Details:
Plant type: Perennial / Biennial
Height: 24-36”
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 300-365 days
Plant spacing: 18-24”
Pinch: not necessary
Kids, Pets, and Deer Resistance: non-toxic, deer resistant
Indoor & Pots: grows well in large containers outside
Approx seeds per packet: 200
How to Grow:
Fall planting recommended for zones 5-8. By planting in the Fall you are saving an entire growing season and get blooms the following summer!
Direct seed (recommended in the Fall): Sow 8-10 weeks before first frost in groups of 3-4 seeds, 1/8" deep. Thin to one plant. Sow in spring when soil is warm, 65°F (18°C).
Transplant (recommended in the Spring): Sow 8-10 weeks before planting outside. Transplant into larger containers after the first true leaves appear. Harden off and transplant outside.
Germination: 10-15 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C).
Where to plant: Plant in the sun or part shade into well drained soil.
Harvesting/Vase Life: Fresh: For harvesting the flower, harvest when the petals are expanding. For harvesting the cone, harvest when the cone is raised and has turned golden.