Grow Guide #2266 Family: Asteraceae Binomial name: Echinacea sp. Life Cycle: Perennial

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This ‘How to Grow’ guide details everything a home gardener needs to know to plant, grow and care for Echinacea (Echinacea sp.).

When to Sow Echinacea Seeds

Use the table below to identify the best time of year to sow echinacea seeds in your climate.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Cool Temperate Sub-Tropical Tropical Arid

Preparation

Echinacea plants are perennial, meaning they live for several years. Choose a permanent position where plants can grow undisturbed by regular digging.

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Echinacea plants are best grown in full sun or part shade. Choose a location that will receive at least 3 hours of full sun each day.

Echinacea plants need a well drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Prepare soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it and adding aged animal manure or compost. Keep the area free of weeds until planting. Learn more about preparing soil for planting here.

How to Sow Echinacea Seeds

Optional: Stratifying seeds prior to planting may improve the speed and success of germination. Stratification involves exposing the seeds to a period of cold temperature which for some species helps to break dormancy and spur the seeds to germinate. Read more about stratification here.

Echinacea seeds can be sown directly into the garden OR seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established.

Sow Direct

1. Sow seeds directly in the garden 6mm deep and 30-50cm apart.
2. Keep soil moist but never wet or dry.
3. Seeds should germinate in around 10-15 days at a soil temperature of 18-21°C.
4. Young seedlings will need protection from pests, pets and weather until they are established.

Raise Seedlings

1. Fill trays, punnets or jiffy pots with a good quality seed-raising mix, or use soil starter pellets.
2. Sow seeds 6mm deep.
3. Keep soil moist but never wet or dry.
4. Seeds should germinate in around 10-15 days at a soil temperature of 18-21°C.
5. Transplant seedlings to the garden once they have their first true leaves and are large enough to handle (usually 5-10cm tall).
6. Plant out, spacing plants 30-50cm apart.

Tip: Seeds of this variety can be slow to germinate. Take note of the expected germination time, be patient and follow the recommended depth and temperature guidelines closely for the best chance of success.

Optional: In cool climates echinacea seeds can be sown indoors 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Grow them in a warm position with plenty of natural light.

How to Grow Echinacea

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Echinacea plants may need watering during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface (test this by scratching away a little soil with your finger). Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves of plants to avoid fungal diseases. Learn more about watering here.

If soil was well prepared no extra fertiliser should be necessary. In poor soil or to give your plants an extra boost, application of a high-potassium fertiliser or one formulated for flowering plants can be beneficial:

• Apply slow release fertiliser at the recommended rate when transplanting or when seedlings are 5-10cm tall.
• Apply liquid fertiliser at the recommended rate and frequency while plants are fruiting or flowering.

Deadhead echinacea flowers regularly during the growing season. Using sharp secateurs or snips cut fading or dead flowers off just above a set of leaves. Removing old flowers regularly will encourage plants to produce more flowers. Learn more about deadheading flowering plants here.

Echinacea plants may die back in cold weather. Cut plants back just above ground level in late autumn, or prune off dead foliage when new leaves emerge in spring.

How to Harvest Echinacea

Echinacea should be ready to harvest in approximately 90-140 days.

Echinacea flowers are ready to harvest when the buds begin to open. Using sharp secateurs or snips cut the flower heads. Flowers can be used fresh or dried. To dry leaves and flowers, spread them on a wire rack in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight until they feel dry and crispy. Store leaves and flower heads in an airtight container.

Common Problems when Growing Echinacea

Like all plants, echinacea is susceptible to some pests, diseases and other problems. Below is a list of the most common problems gardeners encounter when growing echinacea plants:

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