How to grow Echinacea?
- Latin Family: Asteraceae
- Latin Genus: Echinacea
- Ease of Growing: Easy
- Growing Type: Perennial
Echinacea is a widespread and diverse genus of plants consisting of nine unique species indigenous to open glades, woodlands, riparian lowlands, prairies, and mountains in North America. The plants are herbaceous perennials, anchored in the soil by either a spreading, fibrous root or a taproot, depending on the species. The roots are tough and earthy-smelling, with crowns that grow woody with age, giving rise to full rosettes of leaves. The leaf shapes may be narrowly lance-shaped and entire or broadly lance-shaped and toothed. Mature plants produce several flowering stalks, sometimes branched, with leaves occurring sparsely up the stem. They are crowned by the magnificent purple flower. Most plants are medicinal and have been used throughout history for a wide variety of ailments.
Purple coneflower is the easiest type of Echinacea to grow, and the most commonly used species for medicinal purposes. Although all parts of the plant have some medicinal value, it is the fresh root that is most practical and effective for home medicine making.
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Echinacea History
Many species of Echinacea are native to the U.S. plains but are not commonly found growing wild anymore. The plant was used extensively by Native Americans to treat a variety of ailments including rattlesnake bites, headaches, stomach aches, bee stings, sore throats and more.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 5.5 - 7.5
- PH Ideal (min/max): 6.5 - 7.0
Echinacea prefers a rich, limey garden soil that drains well. If possible, plant in raised beds for better soil drainage and aeration.
How to care for Echinacea?
Echinacea is a fairly easy plant to take care of once established but needs to be kept well watered and weeded when young.
Water
Once established, Echinacea only needs to be watered during drought or high heat periods. However, it doesn't hurt to give the plants some water every couple weeks, especially if the soil is dry.
Fertilizer
Prefers rich soil.
Seeds
Seed Viability: 5 - 8 years
Germination Percentage: 50.0
When seeds are maturing, cut off cone-heads and place in a paper bag or bucket. If seeds are still green, dry in the sun for a few days. Do not store in an airtight container as the seeds need some fresh air. Store in a plastic bag in a cool, dark and dry place. Make sure to harvest the seed before the birds do - Goldfinches especially love Echinacea seeds.
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily
Echinacea prefers full sun, but will tolerate light shade.
Conditions:Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Storage
Roots Wash roots thoroughly and pat dry. Cut pieces larger than 1" into smaller pieces to avoid mold growth during drying. Hang root pieces or lay on a screen away from direct sunlight. When completely dry, store in a tightly covered glass jar. Store in in cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Storage Req: Cool, Dry
Storage Temp: 50-65°F
Storage Length: 180-360 days
Flowers Lay cut tops on a screen, or hang upside down in a dark place. Make sure they aren't so dense that air cannot circulate through them. When completely dry (crumbles when touched), store in a glass jar with tight fitting lids in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.
Storage Req: Cool, Dry
Storage Temp: °F
Storage Length: 180-360 days
Problems
Echinacea Types
- Echinacea
Echinacea is a widespread and diverse genus of plants consisting of nine unique species indigenous to open glades, woodlands, riparian lowlands, prairies, and mountains in North America. The plants are herbaceous perennials, anchored in the soil by either a spreading, fibrous root or a taproot, depending on the species. The roots are tough and earthy-smelling, with crowns that grow woody with age, giving rise to full rosettes of leaves. The leaf shapes may be narrowly lance-shaped and entire or broadly lance-shaped and toothed. Mature plants produce several flowering stalks, sometimes branched, with leaves occurring sparsely up the stem. They are crowned by the magnificent purple flower. Most plants are medicinal and have been used throughout history for a wide variety of ailments.
Purple coneflower is the easiest type of Echinacea to grow, and the most commonly used species for medicinal purposes. Although all parts of the plant have some medicinal value, it is the fresh root that is most practical and effective for home medicine making.
Pests
- Caterpillars
- Birds
- Leafhoppers
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Japanese Beetle
- Crickets and Grasshoppers
- Slugs and snails
- Gophers
Diseases
- Aster Yellows
- Mosaic Virus (Several species)
- Powdery Mildew
- Root Rot
