Echinacea (aka Purple Coneflower) Seeds

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), also known as Purple Coneflower, is a hardy, perennial flowering herb prized for its stunning pink to purple daisy-like blooms with prominent, spiky orange centers. Known for its resilience and drought tolerance, Echinacea thrives in both garden beds and wildflower meadows, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. In addition to its ornamental beauty, Echinacea is widely valued for its potential health benefits, with its roots and flowers traditionally used to support immune health.

Approximately 200 Seeds Per Pack
Type: Open-pollinated, Perennial
USDA Zones: 3–9
Days to Germinate: 10–20 days
Days to Maturity: 90–120 days (flowers second year)
Plant Height: 24–36 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Well-draining, Average to Rich
Flavor: Mildly bitter, earthy (when used medicinally)
Use: Pollinator gardens, herbal remedies, cut flowers

Uses

Echinacea is versatile and valuable:

• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
• Herbal Remedies: Traditionally used to support immune function.
• Cut Flowers: Long-lasting in floral arrangements.
• Ornamental: Adds color and height to perennial borders and wildflower meadows.

Growing Instructions

Start Echinacea seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost date or direct-sow outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in moist, well-draining soil. Echinacea thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Space plants 12–18 inches apart. Germination can be slow, taking up to 20 days, especially if seeds are not stratified. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination period. Once established, Echinacea is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers, or leave seed heads for winter interest and wildlife.