Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) Seeds – Heirloom Seeds by Liliana’s Garden

$3.95

  • Yields and average of 35 purple coneflower plants per packet or around 53 feet of flowers. These plants should flower some by the end of their first season and much more the following year.

  • Approximately 50 Quality-Guaranteed Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) Seeds per Packet, Measured by Weight

Description

Flowers: Purple coneflowers produce large, daisy-like flowers that typically measure 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) across. The petals are lavender to purple, and they radiate outward from a prominent central cone. The cone is dark brown to orange and has a spiky, textured appearance. The flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall.

Foliage: The leaves of the purple coneflower are lance-shaped, dark green, and have a rough texture. They grow in an alternate pattern along the sturdy, upright stems.

Height and habit: Purple coneflowers have a clumping growth habit and can grow to be 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall and 1.5-2 feet (45-60 cm) wide, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Habitat: They are native to the eastern and central United States, where they grow naturally in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands.

Pollinator attraction: The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds (particularly goldfinches, which feed on the seeds). This makes purple coneflowers a popular choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.

How to Grow Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea)

  1. Seed stratification (optional, but recommended): Coneflower seeds benefit from a period of cold stratification to improve germination rates. To stratify, mix the seeds with slightly moistened peat moss or sand in a plastic bag or container, and place it in the refrigerator for 30-60 days. Check periodically to ensure the medium remains moist, but not wet.
  2. Sowing seeds indoors: Around 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date, start seeds indoors. Fill seed trays or small pots with a well-draining, sterile seed-starting mix. Moisten the mix and sow the seeds on the surface, lightly pressing them into the medium without covering them. Coneflower seeds need light to germinate. Maintain a temperature of 65-70°F (18-21°C) during germination.
  3. Germination: Place the seed trays or pots in a sunny location or under grow lights, ensuring that the seeds receive plenty of light. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Germination should occur within 10-20 days.
  4. Seedling care: Once the seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, you can transplant them into larger pots if needed. Continue providing ample light and maintain even moisture.
  5. Hardening off: Before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, acclimate them to the outside conditions by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week or so. Start with a few hours of shade and gradually increase the exposure to sunlight and outdoor temperatures.
  6. Transplanting outdoors: After the danger of frost has passed, transplant the seedlings into well-prepared garden soil. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Space the plants about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart.
  7. Care and maintenance: Water the plants regularly during the first growing season, but avoid overwatering. Once established, coneflowers are fairly drought-tolerant. You can also apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth. Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms and keep the plants looking tidy.
  8. Enjoy the flowers: Purple coneflowers typically bloom from mid-summer to early fall. Their vibrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them a great addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.

FAQ for Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) :

Q: What is the scientific name of the purple coneflower?

A: The scientific name for the purple coneflower is Echinacea purpurea.

Q: What type of growing conditions do purple coneflowers prefer?

A: Purple coneflowers prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Q: Are purple coneflowers perennial or annual plants?

A: Purple coneflowers are herbaceous perennials, meaning they come back year after year.

Q: When should I start purple coneflower seeds indoors?

A: Start purple coneflower seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.

Q: How do I stratify purple coneflower seeds to improve germination?

A: To stratify purple coneflower seeds, mix them with moistened peat moss or sand in a plastic bag or container, and place it in the refrigerator for 30-60 days.

Q: How far apart should I space purple coneflowers when planting them in the garden?

A: Space purple coneflowers about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart to ensure adequate airflow and room for growth.

Q: How tall do purple coneflowers typically grow?

A: Purple coneflowers typically grow to be 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Q: What types of pollinators are attracted to purple coneflowers?

A: Purple coneflowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and birds such as goldfinches.

Q: How do I care for purple coneflowers after they are established?

A: Water the plants regularly during the first growing season, then cut back on watering as they become more drought-tolerant. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring, and remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

 

 

 

 

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