Echinacea in Zone 6A — Midwest

Echinacea, or coneflowers, are a fantastic addition to any Midwest garden. Their vibrant blooms add beauty, attract pollinators, and even provide medicinal benefits. Plus, they're relatively easy to grow in our fertile soil and can handle the summer heat spells we often get.

Our Midwest weather can be unpredictable, with variable springs and the occasional summer heat waves. But with a little planning and attention to timing, you can successfully grow Echinacea. Our growing season, which typically lasts around 178 days, offers plenty of time for these beauties to thrive.

Starting Echinacea indoors gives you a head start, but it's not always necessary. If you're eager to see blooms earlier in the season or want a specific variety that's hard to find as transplants, then starting indoors is worthwhile.

You'll want to sow your seeds indoors mid February through early March, about eight weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, provide warmth (a heat mat helps), and ensure they get plenty of light, either from a sunny window or a grow light. Bottom watering is a good idea to keep the seedlings consistently moist without overwatering. Keep in mind that our springs here in the Midwest can be moderate-to-late, so be patient and don't rush the process.

Transplanting your Echinacea seedlings outdoors should happen mid April through mid May, once the danger of hard frost has passed. Before transplanting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week.

When transplanting, space the plants 18-24 inches apart. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, as we sometimes get unexpected cold snaps during this time. Echinacea is a perennial, so consider that when selecting your planting location. Also, keep in mind that the seeds need cold stratification, so buying starts might be an easier option for some.

Direct sowing Echinacea is definitely possible and can be a simpler option. The plants may take a bit longer to get established and bloom compared to transplants.

Sow the seeds mid April through early July, once the soil has warmed up. Prepare the soil well, ensuring it's loose and free of weeds. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Thin the seedlings to 18-24 inches apart as they grow.

Echinacea is quite drought-tolerant once it's established, making it a great choice for Midwest gardens. Our region gets decent rainfall during the summer, so you usually don't need to water excessively.

During the first few weeks after transplanting or when direct-sown seedlings are getting established, water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. After that, let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. Stick your finger about two inches deep into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Generally, about an inch of water per week, including rainfall, is sufficient. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, especially with our moderate-to-humid conditions, which can encourage fungal diseases.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and stunted growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so watch for yellowing leaves and a generally unhealthy appearance. Mulching around the base of the plants with straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, which is especially helpful during our summer heat spells.

Pruning Echinacea is pretty straightforward. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce more blooms throughout the season. Simply snip off the flower heads just below the spent flower.

If you want to leave some of the seed heads for the birds, especially goldfinches, and for winter interest, that's perfectly fine too. In late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, cut back the entire plant to the ground. This keeps the plant tidy and encourages fresh growth in the spring.

You can expect your first Echinacea harvest mid July through late October, about 90 days after planting. The flowers will bloom throughout the summer and into the fall.

The flowers are ready to harvest when they are fully open and the petals are vibrant. You can harvest the petals for tea or other uses. Simply snip the flower stems just above a leaf node. Leaving some seed heads on the plant is beneficial for local wildlife, especially as we approach our first frost around mid- October.

Here are a few common problems you might encounter with Echinacea in the Midwest:

Aster Yellows

• What it looks like: Distorted, greenish flowers, often with stunted growth. The plant may also develop abnormal leaf growth.
• What causes it: A disease transmitted by leafhoppers. It's more prevalent in warmer months when leafhoppers are active.
• How to fix/prevent it: Unfortunately, there's no cure for aster yellows. Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease. Control leafhopper populations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Powdery Mildew

• What it looks like: White or grayish powdery coating on leaves, stems, and sometimes flower buds. 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 (unlike most fungi).
• How to fix/prevent it: Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly and pruning if needed. Remove affected leaves. Neem oil or potassium bicarbonate sprays can help. A milk spray (1 part milk to 9 parts water) is surprisingly effective. Plant resistant varieties if possible.

Japanese Beetles

• What it looks like: These metallic green beetles skeletonize leaves, leaving behind a lacy appearance. They often appear in large numbers.
• What causes it: Japanese beetles are a common pest in the Midwest. They are attracted to a wide variety of plants, including Echinacea.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick beetles off the plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control infestations. Milky spore can be applied to the soil to control beetle larvae.

Midwest Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot summers with moderate-to-humid humidity and wet-summer rainfall can create favorable conditions for fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Regular monitoring and good air circulation are key to preventing these issues.

Good companion plants for Echinacea include tomatoes and peppers. These vegetables benefit from the pollinator-attracting power of Echinacea, leading to better fruit set. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and lavender also make good companions, as they attract beneficial insects and help deter pests.

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