How to Grow Purple Coneflower

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is an attractive ornamental garden plant native to North America. Commonly used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans, coneflowers’ immunity-boosting attributes make them one of the most researched herbs. A member of the sunflower family, coneflowers are popular in home gardens for their cheerful blooms and their longevity in cut-flower arrangements. Coneflowers grow up to 2 to 3 feet tall and bloom from early summer through late fall. They tolerate poor growing conditions and attract butterflies and birds, making them a welcome addition to any landscape.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Purple Coneflower seeds
• Spade
• Organic compost
• Slow release 12-6-6 fertilizer

1. Plan where you will plant your purple coneflowers. They prefer full sun to partial shade, and soil that is well-draining with a pH between 6 and 8.
2. Till the soil to a depth of 4 inches, removing any large roots or stones.
3. Mix 3 inches of organic compost into the tilled soil and turn well until incorporated.
4. Mix 12-6-6 slow-release fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s directions. Apply to the tilled soil, following the packaging instructions. Water thoroughly.
5. Sprinkle the seeds onto the soil surface. Water or mist daily with a watering can or showering hose attachment. Cover the seeds with 1/8 inch of soil when they begin to germinate. Seeds should germinate within 20 days, and will grow quickly.

Tips & Warnings

• Thin the plants to 18 to 24 inches apart, if desired, to give them more space to spread.

• Plant in the spring after all danger of frost is gone.

• Because of their height, coneflowers will look best if planted in the middle or back of the garden bed.