Echinacea Seeds - Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a beloved native perennial wildflower known for its rosy-purple petals surrounding bold, copper-orange center cones. A summer-to-fall favorite in pollinator gardens, it draws bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects with its long-lasting blooms. Ideal for borders, wildflower meadows, native plantings, and cut-flower gardens, this hardy prairie plant thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions and returns year after year with increasing blooms.

Features

• Classic rosy-purple flowers with prominent cone centers.
• Native perennial attractive to bees, butterflies, and pollinators.
• Non-GMO Echinacea purpurea seed variety.
• Heat- and drought-tolerant once established.
• Ideal for meadow gardens, perennial borders, and cut flowers.
• Long-lived and low-maintenance in sunny soil.

Specifications

• Common Name: Purple Coneflower, Echinacea
• Scientific Name: Echinacea purpurea
• Plant Type: Perennial flowering herb
• USDA Zones: 3–9
• Bloom Colors: Purple to pink petals, orange cone
• Height: 24–48 inches
• Spread: 18–24 inches
• Growth Habit: Upright, clumping
• Heirloom: Yes
• GMO Status: Non-GMO
• Organic: Not certified organic
• Light Requirements: Full sun (tolerates light shade)
• Soil Preference: Well-drained average soil; tolerates clay
• Water Needs: Low to moderate
• Bloom Season: Summer to early fall
• Pollinator Friendly: Yes (bees, butterflies)
• Wildlife Support: Seedheads feed birds if left standing
• Drought Tolerance: High once established
• Plant Spacing: 18–24 inches
• Seed Viability: 2–4 years stored cool & dry

Planting Guide

• For best germination, cold stratify seeds for 4–6 weeks (refrigerate in moist medium).
• Sow indoors or direct sow in fall or early spring.
• Press seeds gently into the soil and lightly cover 1/8 inch.
• Keep soil evenly moist until germination (10–30 days).
• Transplant seedlings outdoors when frost risk has passed.
• Choose full sun for strongest flowering and growth.
• Water moderately during establishment; reduce watering after roots develop.
• Cut back spent flowers to prolong blooming, or leave seedheads for winter birds.
• Plants will expand each year; divide after 3–4 years if desired.