Growing echinacea

Purple coneflowers grow in full sun to partial shade -- dappled shade is ideal -- in pH neutral, well-drained soil. Plant seeds 1/2" deep and water well. Germination should take around 14 days.

Plants started from seed may not bloom for two years after planting. Transplants need at least 15 inches between them for the air circulation necessary to avoid disease, but no more than 24 inches to avoid spindly growth that requires staking. They are drought tolerant once established, but low to moderate water throughout the summer results in the prettiest plants. Like most natives, coneflowers have low fertilizer requirements, although a slow-release, high nitrogen fertilizer, like a 12-6-6, is beneficial in early spring as new growth begins. Deadheading keeps the plant blooming and compact and prevents self-seeding. Basal foliage is evergreen in zone 9, but can be cut back in early spring if it needs to be refreshed.