About Coneflower
Coneflower: Sow September–December
Common Name: Coneflower, Echinacea
Scientific Name: Echinacea Purpurea
Seed Saving Level: Easy
Planting
Coneflowers are tall upright flowers that enjoy full sun and well-drained soil, but need a little shade in the hottest parts of the day. Sow in the fall. They are intolerant of summer heat in Arizona and prefer cooler conditions, but are drought-tolerant and grow quickly, attracting birds, bees and butterflies. Sow seeds 1 to 3 feet apart. Add a thin layer of compost and mulch to keep plants moist. Water daily after planting to help establish roots, and then one inch of water per week thereafter.
Harvesting
Coneflowers take 2-3 years to produce blooms when started from seed. To prolong the blooming season, deadhead (removing the dead flowers from living plants) to keep them in bloom.
Seed Saving
Coneflowers will self-sow profusely if allowed. They produce lots of seed, but you have to beat the birds! When the flowers dry, cut them off and hang upside down to dry in bundles. The seeds are contained in the heads between the spikes. Winnow by hand.
Sources:
- Heritage Garden: Coneflower (echinacea)
- The Old Farmer's Almanac: Growing Coneflowers
- American College of Healthcare Sciences
Echinacea Tea Recipe
Echinacea is often taken when the seasons change to boost the immune system as a preventative against catching the cold or flu. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to decrease cold symptoms.
You can use the entire plant, even the roots. Pull from the garden or cut flowers above the lowest set of leaves. Hang to dry or lay cool on a towel in a dark place. Once dry, gently crush into smaller pieces and store in a glass jar.
Add a handful of dried roots or leaves from the coneflower plant to one quart of boiling water, covering for 10-15 minutes. Strain and flavor with honey or sugar to sweeten as the taste is somewhat bitter.
Sources:
- Heritage Garden: Coneflower (echinacea)
- Kirsten Whatley, Boost your immunity with Echinacea, Organic Gardening, Jan/Feb99, 46, (1).
