Learn how to plant coneflowers properly, deadhead coneflowers, and get more growing tips. Deer-resistant, coneflowers are beloved by butterflies, bees, and songbirds. You can try growing coneflower seeds without exposing them to a cold-moist stratification and you’ll probably get an OK rate of germination, but by following these tips, 100% germination is an easy target.Coneflowers, aka echinacea, are tough perennials in the daisy family (Asteraceae) native to the United States that bloom in midsummer. The seeds will naturally be exposed to the right temperatures for the right period of time, and they’ll germinate in the spring when they’re good and ready. Plant them where you would like the mature plants to be sited and protect the new planting with a little ring of fencing to keep the critters from finding the seeds. The final option, which is definitely the easiest, is to simply sow the seeds outdoors in the fall. Once the seeds germinate about 10-14 days later, remove the plastic and continue to nurture the seedlings until they’re large enough to transplant out into the garden. When the critical period passes, pull the container out of the fridge and put it under grow lights in a room that’s about 70 degrees. Come spring, plant the seeds either directly into the garden or indoors under grow lights.Ī second option is to plant the seeds in a container or flat filled with potting soil, water them in, cover the whole thing with a clear plastic bag, and then put the container in the fridge for 8 to 10 weeks. The first is to mix the seeds with some damp sand, put it into a plastic zipper-top bag, and then place the bag into the refrigerator for 8 to 10 weeks. To treat coneflower seeds to these conditions, you have a few options. Coneflower seeds exposed to 40 degrees F for about two months show dramatically improved germination rates. While the seeds of coneflowers don’t require this dormancy-breaking period of cold temperatures in order to germinate like many other perennials do, you will see a great improvement in the germination rates by treating the seeds with a cold-moist stratification. The seeds cannot germinate until they have been exposed to a prolonged period of cold temperatures and moist conditions. ![]() Essentially, many perennials have a hard seed coat and genetic programming that prevents the seeds from germinating at the wrong time (say, during a mid-winter warm spell). ![]() Once you have the seeds, there are a few different methods you can use to improve your chances of success and increase the rate of seed germination.Ī process called cold-moist stratification is required for seeds of many different perennials to break dormancy. You can collect the seed off of your own plants or the plants of a friend, or purchase coneflower seeds from any number of seed companies. With the right technique, coneflowers are easy to grow from seed. ![]() Potted coneflowers are common finds at local nurseries and garden centers, but if you have a large area to fill with these colorful perennials or if you like a good gardening challenge, you might consider growing them from seed instead of purchasing plants. There are many other species of Echinacea too, each of which has its own unique traits. While the straight species of this plant is my personal favorite, there are many cultivars and varieties that produce blooms in a broad diversity of colors, including white, yellow, orange, and red. Known botanically as Echinacea purpurea, this North American native perennial produces colorful magenta blooms in late summer and is a butterfly and bee magnet. Purple coneflowers are a favorite among many gardeners.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |