Echinacea or Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea • Asteraceae
🌱 Seed Category
Flower
🌍 Origin Region
Eastern and central North America
📅 Days to Maturity
90-120 days from seed to first bloom in the second year, though some may bloom late in their first year if started very early indoors.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, surviving winter temperatures down to -40°F. Functions as an herbaceous perennial.
About This Seed
Seeds are small, dark brown, elongated, four-sided achenes with a small crown at the top, typically looking like tiny wooden darts. The resulting plant is a hardy perennial with robust stems, lance-shaped dark green leaves, and large daisy-like flowers featuring prominent, spiky brownish-orange central cones and drooping purple or pink petals, reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Spring or Fall, can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or direct sown after last frost
Germination
Germination takes 10-21 days at an optimal soil temperature of 65-70°F. Germination rate is typically moderate (60-80%). Light is helpful for germination, so seeds should only be lightly pressed into the soil. Cold stratification for 2-4 weeks can improve germination rates but is not strictly required.
Planting Instructions
Plant seeds 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep, spaced 12-18 inches apart in well-drained loamy, sandy, or clay soils. Prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. No heavy soil amendments needed as they tolerate poor soils well once established.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system; highly drought-tolerant once mature.
Companion Plants
Beneficial companions include Black-Eyed Susan, Bee Balm, Sage, and ornamental grasses. Avoid planting with heavy feeders or aggressive spreaders that might shade it out.
Special Characteristics
Highly attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Excellent drought and heat tolerance. Deer resistant, and seed heads provide winter food for goldfinches. Frequently used in herbal medicine and prairie restoration.