Echinacea in Zone 5B — Great Plains

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a fantastic addition to any Great Plains garden. Its vibrant blooms add beauty, attract pollinators to your tomatoes and peppers, and provide medicinal benefits. Plus, its drought tolerance makes it a low-maintenance choice, perfect for our variable rainfall and hot summers.

While we contend with extreme weather and the risk of hail, Echinacea is well-suited to our 178-day growing season. Starting seeds at the right time or buying transplants will ensure you get to enjoy these beauties.

Starting Echinacea indoors gives you a head start, but it's not essential. If you want earlier blooms, consider starting seeds indoors from mid-February through early March, about eight weeks before transplanting.

Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix. Keep them warm and provide plenty of light, either from a grow light or a sunny (south-facing) window. Bottom watering helps prevent damping off and keeps the seedlings evenly moist. Just set the tray in a shallow dish of water for a few minutes until the soil surface is damp. Remember that spring in the Plains is variable; be ready to adjust your timeline if we get an unexpected cold snap.

Transplant your Echinacea seedlings outdoors from mid-April through mid-May, after the last expected frost. Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week.

Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and space the plants 18-24 inches apart. Keep an eye on the forecast during this period; a late frost or hailstorm can be brutal on young plants. Echinacea is a perennial, so choose its location carefully. Because Echinacea seeds need cold stratification, buying starts from a local nursery is often easier.

Direct sowing Echinacea is a viable option, especially if you're looking for a more naturalized look in your garden. Sow seeds from mid-April through early July, after the soil has warmed up.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds. Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist until they germinate. Thin seedlings to 18-24 inches apart. Direct sowing may result in blooms later in the season compared to starting indoors, but it's a low-effort approach.

Echinacea thrives on neglect once it's established, which is great for our Plains climate. Overwatering is a far bigger threat than underwatering.

During the first few weeks after transplanting or after seedlings emerge, water regularly to help them establish strong roots. After that, let the soil dry out between waterings. Stick your finger about two inches deep into the soil; if it's dry, it's time to water. Typically, established Echinacea needs only about one inch of water per week, including rainfall. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, especially with our low-to-moderate humidity.

Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, while wilting leaves can signal underwatering. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Mulching around the base of the plants with a layer of straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, but don't overdo it – Echinacea prefers well-drained conditions.

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

However, consider leaving some seed heads on the plants in the fall. They provide food for birds like goldfinches and add winter interest to your garden. In late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, cut back the remaining stems to the ground.

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

To harvest, simply cut the stems at the base of the flower head. You can use the petals to make tea. Leaving some seed heads on the plants will encourage continued production and provide food for birds. As the first frost approaches in mid-October, you can harvest any remaining flowers and seed heads to dry for later use.

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

Aster Yellows

• What it looks like: Distorted, greenish flowers and stunted growth. The plant may also develop abnormal clusters of leaves.
• What causes it: A disease transmitted by leafhoppers. These insects are more prevalent during hot, dry summers, which are common in the Plains.
• How to fix/prevent it: Unfortunately, there's no cure for aster yellows. Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the disease from spreading. 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 (unlike most fungi).
• 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, leaving behind a skeletonized appearance.
• What causes it: Japanese beetles are attracted to Echinacea and can cause significant damage in large numbers.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick beetles off plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations. Consider using Japanese beetle traps, but place them away from your Echinacea to avoid attracting more beetles to your garden.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: The hot, dry summers and variable rainfall of the Great Plains can stress Echinacea, making it more susceptible to these problems. Ensure proper spacing for good air circulation and avoid overwatering to minimize disease. Monitor plants regularly and take action quickly if you notice any signs of trouble.

Echinacea benefits from companion planting. Tomatoes and peppers make excellent companions because they attract beneficial insects that can help control pests on Echinacea. Herbs like rosemary and lavender also deter pests and attract pollinators, creating a thriving ecosystem. Avoid planting Echinacea near plants that require consistently moist soil, as this can lead to overwatering and root rot.