How to grow Eastern Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

Will tolerate partial sun but does best in full sun 1 2. Deer-resistant, drought-resistant, will tolerate poor soils (eg clay soils, dry soils and shallow, rocky soils), as well has heat and humidity 1. Prefers rich well-drained soil 2.

Avoid over-watering as this is a naturally water-wise plant. No additional fertilising is necessary as heavy fertilisation leads to tall, leggy plants that flop 2.

Divide clumps in spring or autumn 2 when they become overcrowded (about every 4 years) 1.

Growing Eastern purple coneflower from seed

Sow seeds in late winter to spring or in late summer to autumn 2.

The seeds need light to germinate, so do not cover the seeds or use only a light sprinkling of vermiculite.

In their natural environment, the seeds would germinate after a period of cold, so if there is little or no germination move the tray to a cold area: at around 4°C (39°F) for 2 to 4 weeks 2. Once you have picked out the remaining seedlings place the tray outdoors in a sheltered area for the winter. Come back to it in spring, more seedlings may await! 2

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 9.75 inches (25.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.12 inches (0.3 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 18°C / 64°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Eastern purple coneflower about 56 days before your last frost date .

Transplanting Eastern purple coneflower

Prick out each seedling as it becomes large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays to grow on. Plant out in spring into well drained soil. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10 to 15 days before planting out.

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Eastern purple coneflower is a very hardy plant.

Harvesting Eastern purple coneflower

Plants usually rebloom without deadheading, but removal of dead flowers will improve the general appearance 1.

Seed Saving Eastern purple coneflower

Freely self-seeds if at least some of the seed heads are left in place 1.

Finches are particularly fond of the seeds, so if you want to save some, you might need to place netting over the dead heads. The seed can be difficult to harvest and are easiest after rain or early in the morning when they are wet from dew. The prickly seed heads are soft and pliable, they can be broken in half with your fingers and the seeds picked out 2.

Seed viability is seven years.

How long does Eastern purple coneflower take to grow?

These estimates for how long Eastern purple coneflower takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Eastern purple coneflower to germinate?
14 days

Average 14 days | Min 2 days | Max 56 days (54)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Eastern purple coneflower?
+ 60 days

Average 60 days | Min 30 days | Max 74 days (3)

Days to Maturity How long until Eastern purple coneflower is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 60 days

Average 60 days | Min 7 days | Max 5481 days (30)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Eastern purple coneflower?
= 134 days

When should I plant Eastern purple coneflower?

Our when to plant Eastern purple coneflower estimates are relative to your last frost date.

When to sow The number of days to sow Eastern purple coneflower before or after your last frost date.
56 days before Last Frost Date

Eastern purple coneflower Etymology

Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos meaning hedgehog (or spiny, or prickly) in reference to the spiny centre cone 1 2. The species name purpurea simply means purple coloured.

Eastern purple coneflower Folklore & Trivia

Said to be used by witches to strengthen spells.

Other names for Eastern purple coneflower

Coneflower

Brauneria purpurea, Rudbeckia purpurea

Misspellings: Cone Flower

Footnotes

1 Missouri Botanical Garden

2 Echinacea on Seedaholic.com


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