Purple Coneflower Seeds – Echinacea, Non-GMO Heirloom

of rosy purple around a raised, coppery cone. Butterflies and bees crowd the blooms all summer, and if you leave the seed heads standing, goldfinches will visit them into winter. Who it's for A great choice for pollinator gardeners, prairie and native plant lovers, and anyone who wants a tough, long-lived perennial. Echinacea is drought tolerant once established and comes back year after year, so a little patience at the start pays off for seasons to come. How & when to plant Echinacea seeds germinate best after a cold, moist spell, so chill them in the fridge for a few weeks before sowing, or sow outdoors in late fall to let winter do the work. Barely cover the seeds, since they need a little light, and keep them moist; germination takes about 10 to 21 days. Grow echinacea in full sun in soil that drains well, spacing plants about 12 to 24 inches apart. Growing & care Once established, echinacea is wonderfully low maintenance. Give it sun and decent drainage, water it through its first season, and then it largely fends for itself, shrugging off heat and drought. Plants usually bloom from the second year on, and you can divide clumps every few years to keep them vigorous. Bloom & care Echinacea flowers over a long stretch of summer, and the blooms are excellent for cutting. Leave the spent flower heads in place through fall and winter rather than tidying them away, both for their sculptural look and to feed seed-eating birds. Benefits & uses Purple coneflower is a standout for wildlife and cottage or prairie style gardens. Its nectar-rich blooms feed butterflies and bees through the summer, the seed heads feed birds in winter, and the sturdy flowers make long-lasting additions to bouquets. It is a beautiful, resilient perennial for a sunny border. Why gardeners plant our echinacea seed Our echinacea seed is heirloom, non-GMO, and untreated, chosen for strong germination and packed fresh by a licensed seed dealer based in the USA. Plant it once and enjoy this native perennial for years, saving seed from your own plants along the way. Choose the pack size that fits your garden and get growing. Growing guide: New to this variety? Read our full guide, How to Grow Echinacea From Seed , for step by step sowing, spacing, and harvest tips.