Echinacea in Zone 3A — Great Plains

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a fantastic addition to any Great Plains garden. Its vibrant blooms bring beauty to our often-windy landscapes, plus you can harvest the petals for tea. The seed heads also attract goldfinches, adding life to your yard even as the season winds down.

Our region can throw some extreme weather your way, from late frosts to intense summer heat and the ever-present hail risk. But with careful timing around our roughly 108-day growing season, you can definitely enjoy these beauties.

Starting Echinacea indoors in our region is possible, but it's not always the most practical route. If you're after a specific variety or want a head start, sow seeds indoors from late March through early April, about 8 weeks before transplanting.

Use seed trays with good drainage and a well-draining seed starting mix. Keep them consistently moist (bottom watering works well!) and provide warmth and light. Just remember our spring weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared to adjust your transplant schedule if we get a late cold snap.

Transplanting Echinacea is the most common method for Plains gardeners, especially since it's a perennial that benefits from some establishment before winter. Aim to transplant in late May, once the risk of frost has largely passed.

Before planting outdoors, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to the elements for about a week. Space them 18-24 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Be aware that even in late May, we can get hail, so consider providing temporary protection if storms are predicted. Buying starts from a local nursery that are already cold-stratified is often easier than starting from seed.

Direct sowing Echinacea is an option, especially if you have a large area you want to fill. Sow the seeds in late May, once the soil has warmed up and the danger of frost is minimal.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds. Scatter the seeds thinly and lightly cover them with soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. You'll still need to space them out later, aiming for 18-24 inches between plants. Direct sowing can be slower, and you might not get blooms the first year.

Echinacea is remarkably drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for our variable rainfall patterns here on the Plains. It's a native plant that actually thrives in leaner, drier soils, so don't overdo the watering.

In the spring, while plants are getting established, water deeply once a week if we haven't had significant rain. Stick your finger about two inches into the soil: if it feels dry, it's time to water. During the heat of summer, increase watering to about 1 inch per week, especially if we're experiencing a dry spell. Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to prevent fungal diseases, which can be more of a concern during periods of moderate humidity.

Signs of underwatering include drooping leaves and stunted growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A layer of mulch around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid piling it up against the stems, especially if we're having a wet spell.

Pruning Echinacea is pretty straightforward. Throughout the growing season, deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Simply snip off the flower heads just below the lowest petals.

Towards the end of the season, around the time of our first frost in early September, you have a choice. You can leave the seed heads on the plants to provide food for birds like goldfinches during the winter and add some visual interest to your garden. Or, you can cut the plants back to the ground in late winter before new growth emerges in the spring.

Your first Echinacea harvest can be expected from late August through mid September, about 90 days after planting. The flowers will be in full bloom from midsummer to fall.

You can harvest the petals for tea or medicinal purposes. Simply pluck the petals from the flower heads, leaving the seed head intact for the birds. For continued production, keep deadheading spent flowers throughout the season. As the first frost approaches in early September, you can harvest any remaining flowers or leave them for the wildlife.

Echinacea is generally a hardy plant, but here are a few problems to watch out for in the Great Plains:

Aster Yellows

• What it looks like: Distorted, greenish flowers, often with tufts of growth in the flower heads. The plant may also be stunted and have yellowed leaves.
• What causes it: A phytoplasma (bacteria-like organism) spread by leafhoppers. Leafhoppers are more prevalent during warm, dry summers, which we often experience on the Plains.
• How to fix/prevent it: There is no cure. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately to prevent the spread. Control leafhopper populations with insecticidal soap.

Powdery Mildew

• What it looks like: White or grayish powdery coating on leaves, stems, and sometimes flower heads. Leaves may curl, yellow, and die.
• What causes it: Various fungi that thrive in warm days, cool nights, and moderate humidity. Dry leaf surfaces actually favor it.
• How to fix/prevent it: Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly. Remove affected leaves promptly. Neem oil or potassium bicarbonate sprays can help. Milk spray (1 part milk to 9 parts water) is surprisingly effective.

Japanese Beetles

• What it looks like: Metallic green beetles that skeletonize leaves, leaving behind a lacy appearance.
• What causes it: Japanese beetles are attracted to many plants, including Echinacea. They can be a nuisance during the summer months, especially after periods of rainfall.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick beetles off plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used, but may harm beneficial insects.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: Our hot summers, low-to-moderate humidity, and variable rainfall can create conditions that favor some of these problems. The heat can stress plants, making them more susceptible to disease, while the dry conditions can encourage leafhopper populations. Keep a close eye on your plants and take action quickly to prevent problems from getting out of hand.

Good companions for Echinacea in the Great Plains include tomatoes and peppers. Their large leaves can provide some wind protection for the Echinacea, which is essential in our windy climate. Herbs like rosemary and thyme are also good choices, as they attract beneficial insects that can help control pests.

Avoid planting Echinacea near plants that are susceptible to powdery mildew, as this can increase the risk of the disease spreading.