Echinacea paradoxa – 10 Seeds

Echinacea paradoxa, sometimes called yellow coneflower, is the only species in the genus Echinacea to have yellow flowers instead of the usual purple flowers, hence the paradox suggested by the species name. It primarily occurs on glades and prairies in the Ozark regions of Missouri and Arkansas. Features large, daisy-like flowers with drooping yellow to orange-yellow petals and very large, coppery-brown to chocolate-brown central cones. Flowers grow on rigid, glabrous stems typically to 3′ tall. Smooth, lance-shaped, dark green leaves (4-8″ long) with linear veining.

Growing Echinacea paradoxa

Indoor Sowing: Cold Stratification and then transplant the seedlings in Spring.

Direct Sowing: Autumn and Winter.

• They are easy to grow from seed. The Echinacea Seeds germinate best with some cold stratification.
• The easiest method is to sow them outdoors in autumn, either in the ground or winter sowing them in pots.
• If you are going to start seed indoors, simulate the chilling period by soaking the seeds in water and then placing the slightly damp seeds in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 8 to 10 weeks.
• Then, take them out and plant as you normally would. They should germinate within 10 to 14 days.
• Echinacea is fairly drought tolerant once established, though you will need to water your plants throughout the summer if you receive less than an inch of rain each week.
• As native prairie plants, echinacea thrive in hot, dry climates but can handle a range of temperature and humidity fluctuations.
• They do not do as well in very humid climates or in rainy areas where the soil stays wet.
• Coneflowers grow well from seed and can be divided or grown from stem cuttings.
• Echinacea may not bloom during the first year after sowing, with blooming often taking place in the second year.
• Once your Echinacea is at least three years old, you can begin harvesting some of the roots for medicinal purposes.