Echinacea in Zone 6A — Mountain West

Echinacea, or coneflowers, are a fantastic addition to any Mountain West garden. Their vibrant colors brighten our landscapes, attract pollinators, and the petals can even be used to make a soothing tea. Plus, seeing those cheerful blooms thrive in our intense sun and alkaline soil is incredibly satisfying.

High altitude gardening has its challenges. Our short season and cool nights mean careful timing is key. But don't worry, with a little planning, you can enjoy beautiful Echinacea blooms from late summer into fall, making the most of our roughly 153-day growing season.

Starting Echinacea indoors isn't essential, but it can give you a head start, especially with our short growing season. If you choose this route, aim to sow seeds indoors from late February through mid March, about eight weeks before you plan to transplant.

Use seed trays filled with a good seed-starting mix, and provide warmth (around 70°F) and plenty of light – a grow light works wonders here in our sunny but often still-cold spring. Bottom watering will help prevent damping off and keep the seedlings happy. Remember our springs are late, so be patient and don't rush them outside.

Transplant your Echinacea seedlings outdoors from early to late May, once the danger of hard frost has passed. Before planting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the intense sun and cooler nights.

Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for good air circulation. Keep an eye on the weather forecast; even in late May, a sudden cold snap or hailstorm can damage young plants. Buying established starts from a local nursery is often easier, especially since Echinacea seeds benefit from cold stratification to germinate well.

Direct sowing Echinacea is a viable option, particularly if you're looking for a low-maintenance approach. Sow seeds directly into the garden from early May through mid June. The soil needs to have warmed up a bit for good germination.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any rocks or debris. Gently press the seeds into the soil, spacing them 18-24 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Keep in mind that direct-sown plants may take a bit longer to mature compared to transplants.

Echinacea is wonderfully drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for our dry Mountain West climate. Think of it as a native plant that's used to poor, dry soil – don't pamper it too much!

During the first few weeks after transplanting or after seedlings emerge, water regularly to help them establish strong roots. After that, water deeply but infrequently. A good rule of thumb is to water only when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. In our dry climate, this might mean watering every 1-2 weeks during the hottest part of the summer, and less often in spring and fall.

When you do water, aim for about an inch of water per week. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases, even in our low-humidity environment. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, while drooping leaves can mean it's time for a drink. A layer of mulch around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds, which is a bonus in our intense sun.

Deadheading is key to keeping your Echinacea blooming throughout the season. Simply snip off the faded flowers just below the flower head. This encourages the plant to produce more blooms.

If you want to attract goldfinches or enjoy the winter interest of the seed heads, leave some of the spent flowers on the plant. In late winter, after the worst of the cold has passed, cut back the entire plant to a few inches above the ground to encourage fresh growth in the spring.

You can expect your first Echinacea harvest from late July through early October. The flowers will be in full bloom, displaying their vibrant colors.

To harvest the petals for tea, gently pluck them from the flower head when they're fully open. Leave some flower heads on the plant to attract goldfinches and other birds. To encourage continued production, deadhead spent flowers regularly. As the first frost approaches in early October, you can harvest any remaining flower heads and dry them for later use.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Echinacea in the Mountain West:

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 disease transmitted by leafhoppers.
• How to fix/prevent it: Unfortunately, there's no cure for aster yellows. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. 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 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 and pruning as 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.

Japanese Beetles

• What it looks like: Metallic green beetles that skeletonize leaves, leaving behind a lacy appearance.
• What causes it: Japanese beetle larvae feed on grass roots, and the adults emerge in summer to feed on foliage.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick beetles off plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Use floating row covers to protect plants. Neem oil can also deter beetles.

Mountain West Specific Challenges: Our moderate-at-altitude heat, low humidity, and dry rainfall can actually be beneficial for Echinacea, reducing the risk of many fungal diseases. However, the intense UV radiation can stress plants, so providing some afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day can be helpful. Hail can also damage foliage, so consider protecting plants with netting during severe weather.

Echinacea thrives alongside certain plants in the Mountain West garden. Tomatoes and peppers make excellent companions because they enjoy similar growing conditions – full sun and well-drained soil. Plus, Echinacea attracts pollinators that can also benefit your tomatoes and peppers.

Many herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and lavender, also complement Echinacea. These herbs prefer similar dry, sunny conditions and their strong scents can help deter pests. Avoid planting Echinacea near anything that requires consistently moist soil, as this can lead to overwatering and root rot.