Echinacea in Zone 6B — Mountain West

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a fantastic addition to any Mountain West garden. Its vibrant blooms add beauty, attract pollinators to your veggie patch, and provide medicinal benefits. Plus, those cool nights we get even in summer really bring out the best flavors and colors in your blooms.

High altitude gardening comes with challenges like intense sun and our short season, but don’t let that deter you! With a 163-day growing season, you can absolutely grow Echinacea here. Careful timing and a little planning will set you up for success.

Starting Echinacea indoors gives you a head start, especially with our shorter growing season. Begin in late February through mid March, about eight weeks before you plan to transplant. Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, provide warmth (a heat mat helps), and make sure they get plenty of light – a grow light is ideal.

Bottom watering is key to prevent damping off. Just set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up from the bottom. Starting indoors makes the most sense if you want a jump on the season, but keep in mind the late springs we often have.

Transplant your Echinacea seedlings outdoors in late April through mid May, once the risk of hard frost has passed. Before planting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the intense sun and cooler nights we get here.

Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for good air circulation. Keep in mind that Echinacea is a perennial, and the seeds need cold stratification to germinate well. Honestly, buying starts from a local nursery is often the easiest route for us Mountain gardeners.

Direct sowing Echinacea is definitely possible, but it takes a bit more patience. Sow seeds in late April through late June, once the soil has warmed up. Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any rocks or debris.

Plant seeds about ¼ inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist until they germinate. Space them 18-24 inches apart. Direct sowing works, but remember our short season – you might get a later bloom than if you started indoors.

Echinacea is surprisingly drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for our dry Mountain West climate. Once established, it prefers to be left alone, so don't over-pamper it! Think of it as a native plant that thrives in poor, dry soil.

During the initial establishment period, water deeply but infrequently. Use the finger test – if the top two inches of soil are dry, it's time to water. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, especially during hot spells. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage and creating conditions for fungal diseases, which are uncommon in our low humidity but can still happen.

Established Echinacea needs minimal watering. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves, while overwatering can lead to root rot (less common here due to our dry conditions). A light layer of mulch around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, but don't overdo it.

Pruning Echinacea is pretty straightforward. Deadhead spent flowers throughout the season to encourage more blooms. Simply cut the flower stem back to the next set of leaves.

If you want to leave the seed heads for the birds (goldfinches love them!) and for winter interest, that's perfectly fine too. In late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, cut back the entire plant to the ground. This keeps it tidy and encourages vigorous growth in the spring. Remember, first frost is usually around early October in the Mountain West, so plan your end-of-season cleanup accordingly.

You can expect your first Echinacea harvest in late July through mid October, about 90 days after planting. The flowers will be in full bloom, and the petals will be vibrant. Remember to leave some seed heads for the goldfinches – they’ll thank you!

To harvest, simply snip the flower stems with clean scissors or pruners. You can harvest the petals for tea or medicinal purposes. Regular harvesting encourages continued production, so keep cutting those blooms!

As the first frost approaches in early October, you can harvest any remaining flowers. Even if they’re not fully open, they can still be dried and used.

Here are a few common problems to watch out for with Echinacea in the Mountain West:

Aster Yellows

• What it looks like: Distorted, yellowing leaves and stunted growth. The flowers may also be deformed and greenish in color.
• What causes it: A phytoplasma (bacteria-like organism) 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. Control leafhopper populations with insecticidal soap.

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. Remove affected leaves. Neem oil or potassium bicarbonate sprays can help. A milk spray (1 part milk to 9 parts water) is surprisingly effective.

Japanese Beetles

• What it looks like: Metallic green beetles that skeletonize leaves and flowers, leaving behind a lace-like appearance.
• What causes it: Japanese beetles are voracious eaters and can quickly defoliate plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick beetles and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Use row covers to protect plants. Neem oil can also deter them.

Mountain West Specific Challenges: Our moderate-at-altitude heat, low humidity, and dry rainfall generally make Echinacea a happy plant. However, the intense UV radiation can sometimes stress plants, so ensure they have adequate watering during the hottest parts of the summer. Hail can also damage foliage and flowers, so consider using netting if hail is a frequent issue in your area.

Echinacea plays well with others in the garden. Tomatoes and peppers make great companions because they enjoy similar growing conditions (full sun, well-drained soil). The Echinacea can attract pollinators that will also benefit your veggie crops.

Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and lavender are also good companions. They attract beneficial insects and their aromatic oils can help deter pests. Avoid planting Echinacea near anything that prefers consistently moist soil, as it prefers drier conditions.