Echinacea in Zone 5A — Great Plains

Echinacea, or coneflowers, are a fantastic addition to any Great Plains garden. Not only do they provide beautiful blooms from midsummer into fall, their drought tolerance makes them perfect for our variable rainfall and sometimes scorching summers. Plus, the seed heads attract goldfinches, adding a touch of wildlife to your yard.

Our extreme weather can be a challenge, but Echinacea is surprisingly resilient. With a little planning around our 168-day growing season and attention to watering needs, you can enjoy these beauties year after year.

Starting Echinacea indoors gives you a head start, but it's not essential. If you're eager for early blooms or want to grow a specific variety, sow seeds indoors from late February through mid March, about 8 weeks before our typical transplant window.

Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix. Provide warmth and plenty of light, either from a grow light or a sunny south-facing window. Bottom watering helps prevent damping off, which can be a problem with our variable spring temperatures.

Transplant your Echinacea seedlings outdoors from late April through mid May, after the risk of hard frost has passed. Harden them off for about a week beforehand by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. This prevents shock from our temperature swings.

Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for good air circulation. Remember, Echinacea is a perennial, so choose a location where they can thrive for years to come. The seeds need cold stratification, so it may be easier to buy starts than to start from seed.

Direct sowing Echinacea is a viable option, especially if you're looking for a low-maintenance approach. Sow seeds from late April through late June, after the soil has warmed up.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds. Echinacea prefers well-drained soil. Gently press the seeds into the soil, spacing them 18-24 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, but don't overwater.

Echinacea is remarkably drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for our Great Plains climate. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot, especially in our heavy prairie soil.

During the first few weeks after planting, water deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. Once established, water only when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch – use the "finger test." In a typical Plains summer, this might mean watering every 1-2 weeks, but adjust based on rainfall.

Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases in our moderate humidity. Signs of underwatering include wilting and yellowing leaves, while overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and mushy stems. A layer of mulch around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

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

Alternatively, you can leave the seed heads on the plants to provide food for birds, especially goldfinches, during the fall and winter. In late winter or early spring, cut back the entire plant to the ground to make way for new growth.

You can expect your first Echinacea harvest from late July through mid October, about 90 days after planting. The flowers are ready to harvest when they are fully open and the petals are vibrant.

To harvest, simply cut the flower stems near the base of the plant. You can use the petals to make tea or other herbal remedies. Leave some seed heads on the plants to self-seed or to provide food for birds.

As the first frost approaches in early October, you can harvest any remaining flowers and seed heads. The seed heads will continue to provide winter interest in your garden.

Here are three common problems you might encounter with Echinacea in the Great Plains:

Aster Yellows

• What it looks like: Distorted, greenish flowers, stunted growth, and yellowing leaves.
• What causes it: A phytoplasma (bacteria-like organism) transmitted by leafhoppers. The leafhoppers thrive in our fluctuating temperatures.
• 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 fruit. Leaves curl, yellow, and die. Reduces plant vigor.
• 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 through spacing and pruning. Remove affected leaves. Neem oil or potassium bicarbonate sprays help. Milk spray (1 part milk to 9 parts water) is surprisingly effective. Plant resistant varieties.

Japanese Beetles

• What it looks like: Metallic green beetles feeding on leaves and flowers, causing skeletonization (leaving only the veins).
• What causes it: Japanese beetles are attracted to the foliage and flowers of Echinacea.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick beetles off plants in the morning and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Use traps placed away from your plants to lure beetles away. Neem oil can also deter them.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: The hot heat and variable rainfall of the Great Plains can stress Echinacea, making it more susceptible to these problems. Ensure proper watering and drainage to promote healthy plants that are better able to resist pests and diseases.

Echinacea benefits from companion planting. Tomatoes and peppers make great neighbors because they enjoy similar sun and watering conditions. The strong scent of herbs like rosemary and sage can help deter pests that might bother your Echinacea.

Avoid planting Echinacea near anything that will compete for nutrients or moisture, as they prefer drier conditions.