Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Echinacea — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Echinacea purpurea |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 10–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 120–150 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| Mature height (cm) | 61–121.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | indoor-start |
Growing directions
Sow seed on the surface or just 1/8 in deep; cold stratification for 4–8 weeks significantly improves germination rates, especially for fresh seed. Plant in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering once established, as echinacea tolerates drought well. Roots are the primary medicinal part and are harvested in fall of the third or fourth year; flowers and leaves can be harvested earlier for teas and tinctures. Allow some seed heads to remain for self-seeding and to feed overwintering birds.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0