Echinacea in Zone 7A — Mountain West

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a fantastic addition to any Mountain West garden. Not only are they beautiful with their daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white, but they also attract pollinators and are drought-tolerant, perfect for our dry climate. Plus, those cool nights even in summer enhance the plant's overall vigor and flower color.

Growing Echinacea in our region does come with its challenges, like high altitude and intense sun. With a growing season of around 173 days, timing is key. Don't worry, though – with a little planning, you can enjoy these beauties in your garden.

Starting Echinacea indoors can give you a head start, especially with our short season. If you want to get a jump on the growing season, start your seeds indoors from mid February through early March, about eight weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors. Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix and provide warmth and light, either with a heat mat and grow lights or a sunny window.

Remember to water from the bottom to avoid damping off, a common issue with seedlings. Given our late springs here in the Mountain West, starting indoors can help ensure your plants are well-established before the unpredictable weather hits.

Transplanting Echinacea outdoors should be done from mid April through mid May, after the danger of hard frost has passed. Before transplanting, 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 temperatures.

Space your plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and growth. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, as late spring frosts can still occur. Echinacea is a perennial, but keep in mind that it needs cold stratification to germinate well, so buying starts from a local nursery might be easier.

Direct sowing Echinacea is another option, especially if you're not in a rush. Sow seeds from mid April through late June. Ensure the soil is well-draining and has warmed up to at least 60°F.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and mixing in some compost. Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist until they germinate. Direct sowing can be a bit slower, but it eliminates the need for transplanting and allows the plants to establish strong root systems. Just be mindful of the spacing, 18-24 inches, as you thin seedlings.

Echinacea is very drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for our dry Mountain West climate. During the first few weeks after planting, water regularly to help the plants establish strong roots. After that, you can ease off.

A good rule of thumb is to water when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch – the finger test! Typically, this means watering about once a week, providing about an inch of water each time, especially during hotter periods. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal issues even in our low humidity.

Watch for signs of underwatering, such as wilting leaves, or overwatering, such as yellowing leaves. A layer of mulch around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially helpful with our intense sun. Don't over pamper them, they thrive on neglect!

Pruning Echinacea is simple and can help prolong the blooming season. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce more blooms. Do this regularly throughout the summer.

You can also leave some seed heads on the plants for the birds, particularly goldfinches, who love to feast on them. In late winter, cut back the entire plant to the ground to prepare for new growth in the spring.

You can expect your first harvest of Echinacea flowers from mid July through mid October, about 90 days after planting. The flowers are typically ready to harvest when they are fully open and the petals are just starting to droop slightly. Feel free to leave some seed heads for the birds.

To harvest, simply cut the flower stems near the base of the plant using clean shears. You can harvest the petals for making tea or other herbal remedies. Continued harvesting will encourage the plant to produce more flowers throughout the season.

As the first frost approaches in early October, you can either leave the seed heads on the plants for winter interest and bird feeding or cut back the plants to the ground.

Echinacea is generally a hardy plant, but here are a few common problems to watch out for in the Mountain West:

Aster Yellows

• What it looks like: Distorted, greenish flowers and stunted growth. The plant may also develop unusual leaf-like structures in the flower heads.
• What causes it: A phytoplasma (bacteria-like organism) transmitted by leafhoppers. These pests are more prevalent during warmer months.
• How to fix/prevent it: Unfortunately, there's no cure. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately to prevent the spread. Control leafhopper populations with insecticidal soap if necessary.

Powdery Mildew

• What it looks like: White or grayish powdery coating on leaves, stems, and sometimes flower heads. Leaves may curl, yellow, and die.
• What causes it: Various fungi that thrive in warm days, cool nights, and moderate humidity. Ironically, dry leaf surfaces actually favor it (unlike most fungi).
• How to fix/prevent it: Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately and pruning. Remove affected leaves. Neem oil or potassium bicarbonate sprays can help. A milk spray (1 part milk to 9 parts water) is also surprisingly effective.

Japanese Beetles

• What it looks like: Metallic green beetles that skeletonize leaves and flowers. They often appear in large numbers and can cause significant damage quickly.
• What causes it: These beetles are attracted to a wide variety of plants and can be particularly problematic in gardens with nearby turfgrass.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick beetles off plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used.

Mountain West Specific Challenges: Our moderate-at-altitude summer heat, low humidity, and dry rainfall can be both a blessing and a curse for Echinacea. The low humidity helps to reduce fungal diseases, but the intense sun can stress plants, making them more susceptible to pests. Be sure to provide adequate water, especially during dry spells, and protect plants from the harshest afternoon sun if possible.

Echinacea benefits from companion planting, especially in our Mountain West gardens. Tomatoes and peppers make great companions because they share similar sun and water requirements. Plus, Echinacea attracts pollinators that will also benefit your vegetable crops.

Many herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, also complement Echinacea by attracting beneficial insects and repelling pests. Avoid planting Echinacea near plants that require consistently moist soil, as they prefer drier conditions.