When to Plant Coneflower Seeds

A native North American perennial plant, coneflower plants are easy to grow, low maintenance and attractive. The most popular variety grown is the purple coneflower, and it can be started from seed. (New hybrid varieties may need to be purchased as plants, as their seeds may not produce plants like the parent.)

Sow Outdoors

Coneflower plants started from seed need a cold period to germinate. Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep in a sunny location with well-draining soil in mid-fall where the winters are mild, early fall for colder winters. Fall planting will allow the seeds to germinate and the seedlings to grow and establish themselves before winter. Coneflower plants are extremely hardy, tolerating drought conditions and almost any type of soil as long as it drains well. You can harvest seeds from an established coneflower plant that is a non-hybrid native.

Sow Indoors

Coneflower seeds may be started indoors in late winter or early spring. Sow the seeds 1/4-inch deep in a well-draining, all-purpose soil mix and water. Place in a cool but well lit location, and keep the soil moist until germination and the seedlings are a few inches tall. When the threat of frost is gone, acclimate the seedlings for one to two weeks by slowly lengthening the time you set them outside each day. Then, plant the seedlings in the ground at a sunny location.

Tips

Established coneflower plants can be propagated by root division. Carefully dig up the plant in early spring before the growing cycle begins, and divide the plant and roots into two separate plants.

Keeping the seed heads on the plant over winter provides feed for birds.

Coneflower plants are not generally bothered by pests or disease.

References

• About Coneflowers
• Growing Coneflower Plants

Resources

• Harvesting Coneflower Seeds