Coneflower Seeds (Heirloom)

Heirloom coneflower seeds, often known as echinacea in the herbal community, develop spectacular blooms on strong, upright stalks. These flowers are herbaceous perennials with coarse, rough-hairy blossoms that drape down and away from their conical center, offering pollen to passing bees and butterflies. Heirloom coneflowers are easy to grow, bloom for a long time, and make lovely cut flowers!

• North American perennial in the daisy family
• Attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators
• Poor soil tolerant and deer resistant
• Thrives in bright, sunny areas

Heirloom coneflowers are native to the United States and belong to the daisy family. Plant this perennial to ensure plenty of pollination for neighboring plants. Except in exceedingly arid locations, heirloom coneflowers are drought resistant and thrive on the available moisture from rain. Wildflower blends such as Eden Brothers' All Perennial Wildflower Mix and The Bees Knees Wildflower Mix feature our heirloom coneflowers and add a splash of color to any flower bed!

Prior to planting, heirloom coneflowers must be cold stratified. To achieve this, soak the seeds for one to two hours. Using a paper towel, absorb the excess water and spread the seeds out in a single layer on the towel. To keep the seeds damp but not soggy, wrap a dry paper towel around the wet one and place everything in a sealed plastic bag. Refrigerate the bag for eight to twelve weeks before you wish to plant them. If your seeds sprout before the end of the cold stratification process, take them as soon as possible and plant them indoors until they are ready to be transplanted outside.

Heirloom coneflower seeds can be planted after the last frost date in fall, or you can start them indoors six to eight weeks before the final frost date. Heirloom coneflowers thrive in average, well-drained soil in bright, sunny weather, though they may tolerate moderate shade if necessary. Because heirloom coneflower requires sunlight to sprout, put the seeds straight onto the soil's surface, compressing slightly without covering them.

Additional watering is not required in places with regular rainfall. Heirloom coneflowers usually don't need fertilizer unless the flowers are small or aren't developing properly. If this is the case, use a phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Reduce the height of the plants by a third when the blooms appear to be spent. This will assist the plant in re-energizing as well as conserving energy for future seasons. If not cut back, the heirloom coneflower plant will grow larger, but it is not a species that spreads or takes over other plants nearby.

Bee balm, phlox, coreopsis, Black Eyed Susans, gayfeather, sage and catnip are all fantastic companion plants for heirloom coneflowers.

For more information about planting, growing, and caring for heirloom coneflower seed, see the Coneflower Seeds Planting Guide.