How to Grow Echinacea
Growing echinacea (coneflowers) is becoming more popular every year, thanks to its striking beauty and easy-to-grow nature. Echinacea is a drought-tolerant herbaceous perennial plant that thrives in Planting Zones 4–9 and prefers full sun to reach its mature height and spread of 2–3 feet. The genus Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae), and its 10 species are native to North America.
Echinacea, pronounced eh·kuh·nay·shuh, comes from the Greek word “echinos,” which means hedgehog, alluding to the spiky center of the flower. It’s grown for its medicinal properties and beautiful, colorful flowers that have a bloom time from summer through fall.
Celebrated for its healing benefits and the meaning of strength, this guide introduces you to the finest varieties of echinacea and explains their optimal growing conditions along with four methods of growing them! Then, we’ll turn you into a master gardener with our insights about companion planting and care techniques, including the optimal time and method for harvesting fresh flowers or seeds.
Beyond basic echinacea plant care, we’ll help you keep the plants returning year after year with simple steps for overwintering, propagating, and integrating echinacea into your garden’s design. You’ll also get answers about where to buy echinacea, pest and disease management, health benefits, safety, uses for, and unique traits of this remarkable plant. Keep reading to learn why you shouldn’t plant it in your vegetable garden!
PERENNIAL
FULL SUN
SUMMER–FALL
2–3 ft. (60–90 cm)
2–3 ft. (60–90 cm)
What Are the Best Growing Conditions for Echinacea?
The growing conditions for echinacea are full sun, minimal water, well-draining soil, a soil temperature of at least 65°F (18°C), and minimal fertilizer. More details about echinacea’s light, water, soil, temperature, and fertilizer preferences are in the tabs below.
Full Sun
Echinaceas prefer 6–8 hours of full sun in the morning, as too much direct sunlight during the afternoon heat damages the foliage and fades pretty petals. Coneflower plants will tolerate partial sun or shade but need at least 4 hours of sun for optimal health and vitality.
Low
Water plants deeply once a week until mature to help them develop a robust root system the first year, especially during dry spells. Do let the soil dry out a little between waterings. Once established, these plants are drought tolerant. If it rains every week in your area, just let nature take care of it and skip watering. Avoid overwatering, which leads to root rot.
Well-Draining
Well-draining sandy loam soil is ideal, but it tolerates a range of soil types including poor soil. It grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0–7.2. Do not grow it in areas where water tends to collect. Amend heavy clay soil with compost or sand to improve drainage.
65°F (18°C)
Plant in spring or later in the growing season when the soil has warmed to 65°F (18°C). Mature plants withstand various temperatures and are generally tolerant of both hot summers and cold winters, making them a versatile addition to any garden.
Low
To fertilize echinacea, amend the soil with 2 inches of aged compost at the beginning of the growing season. Or, fertilize with a foliar spray of fish and kelp.
This gives extra nutrition to support the plant’s medicinal properties. However, avoid over-fertilizing, as this causes droopy flowers and excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
How to Grow Echinacea?
To grow echinacea use any of these methods: indoor sowing, direct sowing, winter sowing, transplanting, and propagating.
Grow Echinacea Seed Indoors
To grow echinacea from seed and get a head start on the growing season, follow the simple instructions listed below.
- Cold Stratification: Cold-stratify echinacea seeds 8 weeks before sowing.
- When to Indoor Sow: Start seeds 8 weeks before your last frost.
- Soil: Use a well-draining seed starting mix.
- Seed Depth: Sow echinacea seeds 1/8 inch deep.
- Sunlight: Echinacea seeds need light to germinate.
- Soil Temperature: 70–75°F (21–24°C) for quick germination.
- Water: Keep soil moist until germination, then allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
🌱 GROWING TIP: Cover trays with a dome and place them on a heat mat under grow lights to speed up echinacea seed germination. Once 75% of the seeds have germinated, remove the dome and heat mat, then provide good airflow to prevent disease.
Direct Sow Echinacea Seeds Outdoors
To direct sow seeds into the garden for robust echinacea plants, follow the instructions listed below.
- WARNING: Echinacea plants release chemical compounds that inhibit the healthy growth of certain neighboring plants. Avoid planting echinacea in your vegetable garden unless you know surrounding plants are compatible.
- When to Direct Sow: Direct sow in late fall after frosts begin or early winter to allow time for natural cold stratification and to delay seed germination until spring.
- Sunlight: Select a sunny outdoor location with at least 6–8 hours of sunlight.
- Soil: Prepare well-draining soil by loosening it, then incorporate sand and compost.
- Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep.
- Spacing: Space seeds 18–24 inches apart according to the variety’s mature size or desired layout. Thin out if necessary.
- Water: Once established, let the soil dry out a bit between waterings and only water regularly during extended dry periods.
🌱 GROWING TIP: Echinacea does not like consistently wet roots! If it rains once a week or so, avoid watering. This low-maintenance plant will thrive naturally and effortlessly, which is why gardeners love it.
Winter Sow Echinacea Seeds
To winter sow echinacea seeds and leverage the chill of winter, utilize this carefree method to naturally condition plants with the steps listed below.
- Start 2 months before the last frost.
- Use a transparent or opaque container, like a gallon-sized Ziploc bag (or milk jug).
- Label with a paint pen.
- Add 4″ of garden soil and moisten thoroughly with water.
- Create several holes below the soil level for drainage.
- Create several holes above the soil level for good airflow.
- Sow seeds 1/8 in. deep.
- Place the bags in full sun and keep them open to allow for rain and snow until germination. Place straws or sticks into the corners of the bags to keep their tops upright.
- Protect new seedlings after germination. Zip up bags before frosts and provide indoor protection during hard freezes. Keep bags open when temperatures are 40°F (4°C) or above.
- Keep soil moist until ready to transplant after the last frost.
🌱 Growing Tip: Beginner gardeners like this growing method because it’s affordable, convenient, and eliminates any confusion about what’s sprouting in the garden.
Transplant Echinacea Seedlings
To transplant echinacea seedlings while optimizing space and nurturing plant relationships, follow the instructions listed below.
- WARNING: Echinacea plants release chemical compounds that inhibit the healthy growth of certain neighboring plants. Avoid planting echinacea in your vegetable garden unless you know surrounding plants are compatible.
- When to Plant: In spring or later, plant seedlings purchased at garden centers or grown indoors once the soil has warmed to 65°F (18°C). Harden off plants grown indoors first. Transplant on an overcast day or the coolest part of the day. Water the plants in preparation.
- Sunlight: Select a spot with at least 6+ hours of sun.
- Soil: Prepare well-draining soil by loosening it, then incorporate sand and compost.
- Planting Depth & Spacing: Standard spacing is 18–24 inches apart but varies according to the variety’s mature size and desired layout. Dig holes twice the size of the plants and thoroughly water the area.
- Transplant: Insert plants level with the ground and gently backfill with soil.
- Water: Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as echinacea is susceptible to root rot. Additional fertilizer is unnecessary if the soil is amended with compost each growing season. If you get rain every 7-10 days, don’t water. Let nature take care of this drought-tolerant plant!
🌱 Growing Tip: Grow seeds in soil blocks to air-prune roots. This method prevents transplant shock and keeps the plants from becoming root-bound.
3 Ways to Propagate Echinacea
Echinacea is propagated by division, basal cuttings, and seed. Easily expand your garden and sustain its beauty with the 3 propagation instructions listed below.
- Division: To divide, dig up the clump in early spring or fall and carefully separate the roots into smaller sections. Ensure each section has roots and foliage. Replant and water right away. It’s best to do this every 3 years to prevent overcrowding.
- Basal Cuttings: To propagate via basal cuttings, use a clean knife to cut 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of stem closest to the base. Remove the lower leaves and dip the bottom into rooting hormone. Insert cutting into compost and keep the soil moist and warm until rooted.
- Seed: To propagate seed, pull apart dried seed heads collected from native spent flowers. Sprinkle on the ground, press in, or start them indoors in trays, soil blocks, or pots. Keep soil moist and warm until germination.
WARNING: Echinacea plants release chemical compounds that inhibit the healthy growth of certain neighboring plants. Avoid planting echinacea in your vegetable garden unless you know surrounding plants are compatible.
🌱 GROWING TIP: It’s best to divide or make basal cuttings to get the exact characteristics of the parent plant. Seeds of hybrids do not produce the same flower as the parent plant, plus, their seeds are usually sterile.
How to Care for Echinacea?
To care for echinacea use the methods of pinching, supporting, deadheading, and pruning for optimal growth and longevity. The tabs below give detailed instructions.
Pinch the First Year
Pinch the tops off every budding stem the first year, whether you’ve grown from seed or purchased young plants from a garden center. Use clean, sharp pruners to pinch off the top growth, leaving some foliage for continued photosynthesis.
While this feels counterintuitive, it encourages more roots, shoots, and bushier growth in the first season. The following year, it will have a healthy, full-looking plant structure that puts on a lot of blooms!
Support or Layer
The sturdy stems of most varieties rarely need support. However, stakes or plant rings help tall plants maintain upright positions and effectively showcase their blooms if they begin to flop over.
Optionally, you can cut back the outer ring of stems early in the growing season for a bushier, layered look. The new, firm growth effectively supports the taller inner growth!
Deadhead to Prevent Seed
Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming, keep your garden tidy, and prevent plants from redirecting energy into seed production. Cut the stem above the highest set of leaves where new flower buds are forming.
Prune Damage
Pruning maintains plant health by eliminating disease-prone areas and increasing air circulation. Remove any dead or damaged parts of the plant if they are present.
Overwinter Echinacea
To overwinter echinacea, cut stems 2 inches above ground in fall or leave stems and seed heads intact for wildlife until spring, then tidy to make room for new growth. In cold regions, apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch to insulate roots during winter.
How Long Does It Take for Echinacea to Grow from Seed and Bloom?
Echinaceas typically take 2 years to reach maturity and bloom. Some varieties bloom in the first year. Once established, most produce flowers for approximately 4 years before needing replacement. Natives tend to live longer than hybrids.
Their long bloom time is from late spring/early summer until the first frost of fall. Each bloom gives 2–3 weeks of captivating color!
How to Harvest Echinacea Flowers and Save Seeds?
Harvest fresh flowers on a dry, sunny day after the morning dew evaporates before the day’s heat sets in. To harvest seeds, wait until the flower fades and seedheads turn dark brown. Wear gloves to protect your hands, as the plant’s center is spiky, and snip off the dried seed heads. Optionally, native coneflowers will readily self-sow if left in the garden.
Place the flower heads in a paper bag in a dry, ventilated area for a few weeks to ensure they are completely dry. Gently break apart the dried heads over a clean surface or bowl to collect the seeds. Be mindful that not all seeds will be viable for planting, so look for plump, dark seeds, as these have the best chance of germinating.
Store seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them the next growing season. By saving seeds, you save money and help preserve the genetic diversity of your plant varieties.
What Are Pests and Diseases of Echinacea?
While echinacea is usually a problem-free perennial, occasional issues with pests and diseases occur. Monitor the plants regularly for any signs of activity. To mitigate these problems effectively, implement appropriate control measures such as handpicking insects, using insecticidal soap, or applying organic fungicides. I highly recommend purchasing traps for Japanese Beetles…these are highly effective!
Pests
Diseases
Does Echinacea Spread Invasively?
No, E. purpurea, other species, and hybrids do not have aggressive root systems and are not invasive through self-seeding. They spread slowly. Purple coneflowers thrive naturally and are a native prairie plant that is not considered a noxious weed even though it readily self-seeds. Most new varieties or hybrids do not produce viable seeds nor perennialize for several years like natives, so these bold beauties can be grown stress-free!
Where to Buy Echinacea to Grow?
Buy echinacea seeds or roots online (sale below) and from gardening catalogs. Ensure you choose a reputable source for high-quality species. Alternatively, you’ll often find echinacea plants for sale at local nurseries or garden centers.
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What Types of Echinacea Are Available to Grow?
The best types of echinacea to grow include the traditional purple coneflower and popular hybrids in hues of purple, pink, yellow, white, lime green, red, and orange. Most are purple and look so similar that only their pollen color differentiates them. Here are 20 traditional, rare, and unique echinacea varieties with pictures to scroll through below!
Echinacea Varieties
What Companion Plants Grow with Echinacea?
Companion plants include those with similar growing conditions and preferences. Black-eyed Susans, salvia, and bee balm are ideal partners in a garden setting. They attract beneficial insects, provide additional color and texture, and help support the overall health of your garden ecosystem.
Note: Avoid planting echinacea in your vegetable garden due to its allelopathic properties. In 2009, the Journal of Chemical Ecology investigated the allelopathic effects of Echinacea angustifolia on tomato plants. The researchers found that root exudates inhibited the growth of tomato seedlings, indicating that its allelopathic compounds harm certain vegetable crops. Lettuce is another affected crop.
What Garden Types Are Suitable for Growing Echinacea?
Echinacea adds vibrant color and texture to garden beds, borders, and naturalized landscapes. Plant the daisy-like flowers in groups or mixed plantings to create eye-catching displays in perennial gardens, wildflower meadows, or xeriscape designs.
Moreover, they are an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and ideal for attracting bees and butterflies. 🐝They provide food and shelter for many beneficial insects, creating a busy, buzzing garden!
Here’s a list of garden types they look great in.
Garden Types
Can You Grow Echinacea in Containers?
Yes, you can grow echinacea in containers or pots that are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system. Use a well-draining potting mix with a deep layer of sand or gravel at the bottom and place the container in a sunny location.
What is Echinacea’s Meaning?
Echinacea plants symbolize strength and resilience in herbal medicine. Indigenous cultures have long used this plant for its immune-boosting properties.
What Are the Benefits of Echinacea?
Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida are renowned for their health benefits and immune-boosting properties. They are traditionally used to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and supplements. The severity and duration of symptoms is reduced when used appropriately, seek professional advice.
Echinacea Tea: Benefits and How Do You Make It?
The benefits of echinacea tea include stress, mucus, and inflammation reduction while providing antioxidants to strengthen the body’s defenses against illness and promote overall well-being. Make echinacea herbal tea with our simple 3-step instructions!
- Add 3 teaspoons of crushed dried leaves and petals to 1 cup of water. If desired, use a tea ball to contain the herb or strain after.
- Let the echinacea tea steep for 10-15 minutes or to your desired concentration.
- Add mint, lemongrass, or honey to offset its strong floral flavor!
Is Echinacea Toxic to Cats and Dogs If Eaten?
Generally, echinacea is considered safe for cats and dogs in moderate amounts. However, while it is commonly used in human herbal medicine, its effects differ in animals. The herb is used in veterinary practice to support the immune system and prevent infections. However, like any supplement, it’s essential to approach it cautiously. The appropriateness largely depends on the dose and the animal’s health condition.
Overdosing leads to side effects, although severe toxicity is rare. Symptoms of an overdose include gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in both cats and dogs. Long-term use is also not recommended, as it interferes with the natural balance of the immune system. Veterinary advice should always be sought before introducing it, or any new supplement, to ensure it’s suitable for your pet’s specific health needs and situation.
What Are the Culinary Uses of Echinacea?
Echinacea has somewhat unconventional yet intriguing culinary applications. This herb is not typically front and center in the kitchen. However, its vibrant flowers and distinctive flavor profile have inspired adventurous chefs and home cooks. The petals of Echinacea purpurea, for example, are sprinkled fresh over salads to add a pop of color and a subtle, sweet flavor. This adds not only visual appeal but also introduces an unexpected taste dimension.
Beyond the petals, echinacea roots have also been used in cooking. When dried and ground, the roots lend a slightly tingling, spicy element to dishes, similar to the zest provided by Sichuan peppercorns, albeit milder.
Some ambitious culinary enthusiasts have incorporated echinacea into syrups or teas, blending its herbal qualities with other flavors to create refreshing beverages with purported health benefits. Infusing honey is another innovative approach, resulting in a multifaceted sweetener that elevates teas, baked goods, and marinades with its unique flavor and therapeutic properties.
Other Uses for Echinacea
The herb finds its way into various non-traditional applications that leverage its aesthetic appeal. Use the ideas below to inspire your next project!
This versatility makes it a beloved choice for gardeners, herbalists, artists, and decorators looking to incorporate natural elements into their work.
What Are Unique and Interesting Traits of Echinacea?
There are two unique and interesting traits worth sharing.
Tips & Ideas for Growing Echinacea?
Our echinacea growing guide highlights the plant’s natural pest-fighting abilities and ways to artfully incorporate its tall, vibrant blooms into a visually striking garden design. Growing resilient and multifaceted plants offers many opportunities to cultivate a garden with beauty and purpose.
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