How to Grow Prairie Coneflowers from Seed

The popularity of perennials in the Echinacea family has recently grown, due to an increased interest in environmentally friendly landscaping and the availability of new hybrid cultivars. These highly adaptable plants are at home in sun or partial shade, and varied soil conditions.

Because the plants are deep-rooted, up to 5 feet for Echinacea pallida, they can withstand drought and hot or dry conditions once established. They bloom in the hot summer months when many other perennials' beauty has faded. Unfortunately, the deep tap roots make these plants difficult to propagate by division.

Consequently, it may be preferable to propagate these plants from seeds, which can be purchased from mail-order nurseries or collected from plants. Seed starting gives many plants at low cost.

Before starting Echinacea seeds, gardeners should keep in mind that seeds collected from many new hybrids, such as Echinacea 'sundown' or Echinacea 'fatal attraction' may not produce plants equivalent to the parent. Blooms and plants often differ from the parent for the offspring of hybrids, if the seeds are fertile. Vegetative propagation of patented hybrids may be restricted or illegal.

Species plants, rather than cultivars or hybrids, will give the best results from seed. Some types worth trying are the Tennessee coneflower, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea purpurea. Sources of seed include the hardware store, mail-order native plant nurseries like Prairie Nursery, and private organizations like the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Echinacea seeds will not germinate, or sprout, without a damp cold period equivalent to what they would experience if they were outdoors in the winter. Consequently, the easiest way to grow these plants from seed is to scatter the seeds outdoors in the garden in the fall. In cold climates, winter exposure will encourage germination.

If fall planting is not possible, cold moist storage in the refrigerator is essential. Place about 2 to 3 tablespoons of damp sand or vermiculite in a plastic zippered bag. The sand or vermiculite should clump when squeezed in the hand, but should not be very wet. Add the seeds to the bag, seal, and store in the refrigerator.

The Prairie Moon Nursery cultural guide recommends cold storage for 60 days to promote optimal germination. It may be possible to get germination with a shorter, 1-month period of cold storage, but seeds may not germinate as readily. Check the seeds regularly, perhaps once a week, for signs of sprouting. If the seeds sprout, plant them immediately.

For sprouting indoors, seeds should be planted in a soil-less seed starting mix or Jiffy peat pellets. Because Echinacea develops very deep tap roots, they may quickly outgrow small containers. If this happens, transplant into larger, deep pots. Plants will do best in a very sunny window but may grow under lights.

About 1-2 weeks before planting the seedlings in the garden, begin hardening them off. Start with limited outdoor exposure in indirect light. Gradually increase the seedlings' exposure.

Their first year in the garden, root development will be the primary type of growth. Plants will have few leaves and probably will not flower. Blooms can be expected in the second or third year of growth.

Sources

The New Seed Starter's Handbook, by Nancy Bubel

Prairie Moon Nursery Catalog and Cultural Guide