Echinacea is a beautiful perennial flower that is often used in gardens and landscaping.
It’s popularity means that it can be found at most garden centers, but can you plant the seeds from these plants to grow more?
You can successfully germinate echinacea seeds from store bought plants, and seeds. The seeds can be sown in pots of compost and then transplanted into the garden when they are large enough.
Where can you get echinacea seeds from store bought plants?
Echinacea seeds are often available at garden centers and similar stores.
You’ll also find a variety of echinacea seeds available at many online stores.
If you have existing plants or friends that have plants, then you can wait until they have developed seed heads and then harvest these for planting in the following year.
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What are the chances of success when germinating store bought echinacea seeds?
The chances of success when germinating store bought echinacea seeds are good.
Echinacea is a fairly easy plant to grow from seed, and most seeds that are available for purchase will be viable.
That said, it’s always a good idea to start with more seeds than you think you’ll need, as some may not germinate.
How do you plant store bought echinacea seeds?
To plant store bought echinacea seeds, start by filling pots or trays with compost.
Sow the seeds on the surface of the compost and then lightly cover with more compost or vermiculite.
Water well and then place in a warm, light position.
Keep the compost moist but not wet and germination should take place within 2-3 weeks.
Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves, they can be transplanted into their final positions in the garden.
What does echinacea need to grow well?
Echinacea is a hardy plant that will grow in most soil types.
That said, it prefers a sunny position and well-drained soil.
It’s also important to water echinacea regularly, especially during dry periods.
As with most plants, echinacea will also benefit from being fed with a general purpose fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
Will echinacea flower in it’s first year?
Echinacea will usually flower in it’s second year.
However, if you sow the seeds early enough in the growing season, then it’s possible that some plants may flower in their first year.
Does echinacea come back every year?
Echinacea is a perennial plant, which means that it will come back year after year.
In fact, once established, echinacea is quite drought tolerant and will often flower for several weeks even if there’s no rain.
Can you grow echinacea in pots?
Echinacea can be grown in pots, although it’s important to choose a pot that is at least 18 inches wide.
When growing echinacea in pots, it’s important to use a good quality potting mix and to water regularly.
It’s also a good idea to place the pots in a sunny position.
How do you get more echinacea plants?
If you want more echinacea plants, the easiest way is to divide the plants in spring before they begin to grow.
Simply expose or dig up the existing root ball and, using a sharp knife or similar implement, divide the plant into two piece, ensuring that each piece has plenty of roots attached.
Simply replant both halves and treat as normal.
You can also grow new plants from cuttings taken from spring growth by removing a piece of stem, around 5 inches long, placing in a pot and covering with a plastic bag to retain moisture.
Once rooted, the cutting can be transplanted into the garden.
Can you buy echinacea plants?
Echinacea plants are widely available from garden centers and online stores.
They are usually supplied as young plants that can be planted straight into the garden.
Alternatively, they may be supplied as bare root plants that will need to be planted as soon as possible after purchase.
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When is the best time to plant echinacea?
The best time to plant echinacea is in early spring, before the plants begin to grow.
If you are planting bare root plants, then soak the roots in water for a few hours before planting.
Echinacea can also be planted in late summer or early fall, although the plants may not flower as profusely in their first year.
When can you harvest echinacea plants?
Echinacea flowers will start to bloom in late summer and continue into autumn.
The flower heads can be cut from the plants and used fresh or dried for a range of purposes.
Once the flowering season is over, echinacea plants can be left in the ground and will often self-seed.
The seeds can be harvested in autumn and then sown the following spring.
How do you dry echinacea flowers?
Echinacea flowers can be dried for use in a number of ways.
One method is to tie bunches of flower heads together and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place.
Another option is to lay the flower heads on a drying rack or screen and place in a warm, dry room.
Once the flowers are dried, they can be stored in an airtight container for later use.
What are some uses for dried echinacea flowers?
Dried echinacea flowers can be used in a number of ways.
They can be added to potpourris and sachets, or used to make herbal teas.
The dried flowers can also be used in crafts such as making wreaths or dried flower arrangements.
Final Words
Echinacea is a versatile plant that is easy to grow and can be used in a number of ways.
Whether you want to add some color to your garden, make your own herbal teas or dry the flowers for use in crafts, echinacea is a plant that is easy to grow from store bought plants and seeds.
