Echinacea purpurea (Coneflower) seeds

Colourful, dramatic perennial producing masses of large, daisy like, pinky purple flowers with a prominent orangey brown central cone from June to September. Suits all styles of gardens; cottage, prairie, wild and adds a touch of colour and drama to exotic and jungle themed gardens. Coneflowers, although tall, are very sturdy and don't need staking and the flowers are long lasting as cutflowers. As an added bonus, they are an excellent food source for pollinating insects and birds who love to feast on their seeds in autumn.

Hardy Perennial
Height: 1.2m, Spread: 60cm
Flowers: June to September 
Position: Sun or semi shade in well drained soil

Packet of 25 seeds

RHS Plants for Pollinators. 

The RHS Plants for Pollinators mark is only given to plants that support pollinating insects. Find out more at rhs.org.uk/plantsforpollinators

GROWING GUIDE

• Sow at any time of year except early to mid-summer as high temperatures can make the seedlings grow too fast and become spindly.
• Sow on the surface of a moist, free-draining seed compost in a pots or trays and just cover the seed with sieved seed compost or vermiculite.
• Maintain at 18-21C in a propagator or seal in a polythene bag and place on a windowsill shaded from direct sun.
• Check the compost regularly to make sure it hasn't dried out - it should be just moist, not overwet.
• Germination should begin to take place in 10-30 days and can be erratic.

• When the seedlings emerge, gradually increase ventilation by opening the bag or propagator vents.
• When large enough to handle, pot up individually into 7-9cm pots and grow on in good light shaded from direct sun. 
• When plants are established, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions before planting out in late spring or early summer after all risk of frost has passed in a sunny position.
  

Note: If not all the seeds germinate after a month or so, it may help to give them a cold spell in the fridge for 2-4 weeks.  Make sure to seal them in a bag to prevent the compost from drying out too quickly.