Planting Coneflower Seeds
Do you need to brighten up your garden but don’t want to deal with the hassle of constant watering and soil mixing? Coneflowers (aka echinacea or Echinacea purpurea) may be right for you!
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) plants are drought-tolerant and can withstand poor soil conditions. Their abundant seed heads are perfect for pollinators, birds, and harvesting. Plus, they produce beautiful, vibrantly-colored flowers after a couple of years of maturity. You can grow echinacea plants inside or outside and can most definitely start their seeds either way as well.
As native plants, Echinacea purpurea are hardy enough to withstand dry, hot conditions as well as contribute to your health!
We have compiled a detailed guide to the planting and care of coneflowers. Let’s take a look!
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Are Coneflowers Easy to Grow from Seed?
Yes. Coneflowers are easy to grow from seed as long as you provide them with the following:
Fertile, well-draining soil
Full sun
Soil temperatures around 65 degrees or higher
Light mulch to prevent weeds
Here’s a video with some more of the basics on how to plant coneflower seeds:
Benefits of Growing Coneflowers
Luckily, coneflower plants are an all-around low-maintenance plant and that includes growing them from seed! You can start Coneflower seeds inside or outdoors in your garden. We have compiled a list of the best reasons to grow coneflowers in your garden.
Coneflowers can be used for medicinal purposes. Their chemical properties help boost your immune system which in turn can help fight off the common cold. Additionally, coneflowers can help reduce inflammation, produce hormonal, antioxidant, and antiviral effects, and can sometimes relieve pain. If you would like more information on the health properties of this plant, please visit this website for more information.
These versatile plants are popular with butterflies, birds, and bees. Because the coneflower attracts these beneficial insects/animals, the rest of your garden will thrive. The pollinators contribute to the health and vibrancy of your garden while the birds can carry the plants’ seeds to naturally sow wherever they go. Curious about other pollinator-friendly plants? Check out this post.
Unlike other flowering plants, the coneflower can is drought-tolerant and can withstand poor soil conditions when mature. That said, well-drained soil is ideal. If you live in a warmer climate that doesn’t receive a lot of water and want to brighten up your garden, coneflowers are the perfect fit for you.
How Long Does it Take for Coneflowers to Grow from Seed?
Coneflower seeds usually take up to 2-3 weeks to germinate whether you start the seeds inside or outdoors. That being said, the best time to plant coneflower seeds is about a month before the last spring frost date or (if you’re planting them outdoors) when the soil temperature is about 65 degrees Fahrenheit. That being said, make sure the soil is well-drained soil! Like most seedlings, they require warmth before they sprout.
This is why it is best to plant the seeds when warmer temperatures approach.
Are you having trouble planning ahead when it comes to your garden? This garden planning chart can help.
Although you can technically plant these seeds anytime a year indoors, it is still best to plant them in the springtime to acclimate the sprouts outdoors when the weather is warm.
Does Echinacea Like Sun or Shade?
When these plants reach maturity, they love full sun! However, that’s a different story when you are starting seeds or transplanting young plants.
If you are starting seeds and it’s finally time to move your echinacea outside, they will need to grow accustomed to outdoor conditions. For this, you will want to move your 3-4 inch plants outdoors with partial afternoon shade for at least a week.
If you have started seeds outdoors, make sure there is some sort of structure to give the vulnerable, new plants a break from the sun in the afternoon.
After your echinacea has matured, you don’t have to worry about the plants being overexposed to sunlight. That being said, make sure that your matured echinacea are not shaded by other plants.
With the proper sunlight levels in mind, let’s talk about soil conditions.
Even though these hardy plants can tolerate poor soil conditions, they still thrive under rich, organic conditions. Before planting or transplanting, turn up the original soil with some compost or organic mix.
Make sure that you mix that deep in the ground since this plant’s root system is larger. To lock in moisture and nutrients, feel free to add a thin layer of mulch on the soil surface.
Finally, as stated previously, these plants like warmer conditions. They tend to thrive in soils ranging 65 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Again, full sun is ideal. When winter comes around, you can cover the soil in garden fabric or a black cover that the plants can poke through.
How Do You Grow Echinacea from Seed?
While you can grow Echinacea purpurea as a potted plant, it's far easier to do so from seeds. Now that we know the growing conditions for these plants, let’s take a look at how to grow echinacea from seed. Here’s a list of steps to take when starting seeds.
Purchase containers with at least six cells, potting soil or seed starting mix, a spray bottle (for moisture), a garden shovel for transferring, and the seeds!
Place potting mix or seed starting mix into each of the cells until it reaches just below the rim.
Make sure that the soil is thoroughly moist before placing the seeds.
Press 3-5 seeds about 3-6mm deep into the soil. You will need to direct sow the seeds.
Lightly cover the seeds with ⅛-¼ inch soil over the seeds.
Water each cell.
Keep in indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist (use a spray bottle or drip system if the soil gets really dry).
Once your seedlings reach 3-4 inches, you are ready to transplant.
If you are using a pot, purchase one that is at least 2-3 gallons with drainage holes at the bottom.
Fill the pot halfway with potting mix and tunnel a hole in the soil.
Place compost in the hole before placing the sprouts.
Water the soil thoroughly, wait for the drainage, then place your sprouts in the hole.
Fill the area around the sprouts with soil and firmly pack the plant in.
(Optional) You might want to protect your growing echinacea with chicken wire as it will attract rabbits or other predators.
Water deeply.
Place in an area where the plant will receive partial afternoon shade.
Fertilize every couple of weeks before transplanting into your garden if desired.
Should I Soak Echinacea Seeds Before Planting?
For the most common types of echinacea, you do not have to soak the seeds. If you would still like to soak them, here are the steps you should take.
Gather a paper towel that you’ll be able to fold and fit into a ziplock baggy.
Mist the paper towel with water.
Place the seeds in the towel, making sure they are not sitting on top of each other.
Fold the paper towel gently and place it in a ziplock bag.
Place in refrigerator.
*Disclaimer: the number of days you are to keep the seeds in the fridge is dependent on the variety you have. Remember, this is not absolutely necessary for the growth of the plant, but you can take these steps if you wish.
You can also save echinacea seeds! Here is what you will need to do:
Wait for each echinacea bloom to dry.
Cut off the dried blooms.
Gently take the bundles and hang them upside down in a safe place.
When the bundles of blooms are fully dry, carefully hand-crush the blooms and let the seeds fall into an airtight container, and place them in a cool, dry place.
Interesting in purchasing seeds? You can purchase them at your local nursery or go to the following links:
When Should I Plant Echinacea?
The absolute best time to plant echinacea in the early spring or later fall. As long as you can work the soil and it’s warm, you can plant echinacea. For more growing information, visit this website.
How Deep Do You Plant Echinacea?
If you are sowing echinacea seeds outdoors, you will want to plant them ½ inch deep into the soil. If you are transplanting, make sure that the soil reaches just the top of the root ball.
You should plant the seeds 2-3 feet apart because, once the plants grow to maturity, they will take up a lot of room. Plus, you don’t want other echinaceas shading their neighbors.
Can You Keep Echinacea in Pots?
You can keep echinacea plants in pots both inside and outside! However, they do require a little extra care when they are in pots.
You will need a 2-3 gallon pot with a drainage hole and some crushed gravel to put at the bottom. This will improve drainage around the root ball. Fill the pot halfway with soil and compost and water it thoroughly. Place the plant (or seed) in the pot and cover with soil to meet the top of the root ball or just enough to cover the seed.
Keep the echinacea in partial shade for 2-3 days if you have had it outside and up to a week if you started the plant inside.
Additionally, potted echinacea will need a little more fertilizer than if you planted them in your garden. Purchase a water-soluble or 10-10-10 fertilizer to mix in with your well-draining, organic soil every 2-3 weeks.
Does Echinacea Flower the First Year?
If you are starting echinacea from seed, it will take up to 2-3 years for the plant to flower. It is rare that they flower within the first year unless you purchase a mature plant and transplant it into your garden.
Do Coneflowers Self Propagate?
Coneflowers self-seed without taking over your garden. This is largely in part due to the biology of the plant and the fact that they attract pollinators. Typically, coneflowers will generate seedlings each spring.
Coneflower Water and Fertilizing Needs
As stated previously, coneflowers do not need a ton of water or fertilization to thrive. Native coneflowers, especially, do not need fertilizer due to their place of origin.
Provide supplementary water in spring only if the soil is extremely dry.
For newer-growing coneflowers, you can provide supplementary water.
For more watering, fertilizer, and care tips, visit this link.
How Quickly Do Coneflowers Grow?
Cornflowers grow relatively fast. It will only take about 2-3 weeks to germinate from seeds. It will take up to three months to produce healthy, dark-green leaves.
Will Echinacea Flower the First Year?
It will take about 2-3 years for echinacea to flower.
Can You Harvest Seeds from Coneflowers?
You can absolutely harvest seeds from coneflowers. Simply wait for the blooms to dry, hang them upside down to dry further, and gently hand-crush the seeds into an airtight container or ziplock bag. Place in a cool and dry place until the next planting season.
Coneflower seeds can last about 7 years, but it is best to use them within a year of the harvest.
What Grows Well with Coneflowers?
Lavender, ornamental oregano, sedum (stonecrop), and goldenrod are all great companion plants because they add a lovely smell to your garden and don’t shade your coneflowers.
As far as what to not grow with coneflowers, do not plant bushy or tall plants like corn that shade the coneflowers.
Common Coneflower Pests and Diseases
Unfortunately, you do have to look out for the following pests and diseases:
Leaf Miners
Japanese Beetles
Powdery Mildew
Bacterial Spots
Aphids
Vine Weevils
For bacterial or fungal infections, they usually occur due to overwatering. Remember, these are drought-resistant plants and don’t need a ton of constant watering. You can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or an organic pesticide for the pests.
Looking for more information on the pests, diseases, and how to get rid of them? This article has more information, as does this video:
Do Coneflowers Come Back Every Year?
You can enjoy your lovely selection of coneflowers year after year! These perennial plants will certainly come back every year with the right care and treatment.
How Long Does it Take to Grow Echinacea From Seed?
Typically, it takes about four months to grow echinacea from seed. After this exciting growth period, you will start to see dark green leaves! Remember, echinacea doesn’t flower until the second or third year so be patient and enjoy the growing process! You'll love looking at these breathtaking seed heads while you wait.
If you’re looking for a drought-resistant flower to add to your garden, coneflowers might be right for you. You can start them from seed inside or in your garden and, when they continue to grow, will attract essential pollinators to your garden.
Head on over to your local nursery or consult some of the links above to get started on your coneflower garden!
Do you grow coneflowers in your garden? Let me know in the comments!
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