Commonly known as purple coneflower, is a herbaceous perennial plant with four species and six varieties all indigenous to North America, of which three, E. pallida var pallida, E. pallida var angustifolia, and E. purpurea, are grown commercially. Used in perennial borders for over 200 years, the species E. purpurea, in particular, is widely known, and it grows readily from Purple Coneflower seeds. Today, a move back to more natural tonics and medicines and our eclectic approach to health are contributing to a resurfacing of traditional uses of medical herbs such as echinacea. Some European countries, in particular Germany, are very familiar with the purple coneflower herb and have added many Echinacea herb products in the marketplace.

SOWING

Sow: February - July

Bloom: August - September

Season: Perennial

Height: 24 - 36 inches / 60 - 90 cm

Environment: Full sun

Surface sow the seed and press lightly into the soil. Prick out each seedling as it becomes large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays to grow on. Plant out in spring into well drained soil. Gradually acclimatize to outdoor conditions for 10 to 15 days before planting out. Germinate within 20-30 days in 18 - 22 ̊C.