Echinacea in Zone 7B — Mid-Atlantic

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a fantastic addition to any Mid-Atlantic garden. Its daisy-like flowers bring beauty and pollinators to your yard, and its medicinal properties make it a worthwhile herb to grow. Plus, leaving the seed heads standing through our cold winters provides food for the birds and adds winter interest.

While our humid summers and deer pressure present challenges, Echinacea is well-suited to our 214-day growing season if you time things right. You have a good window to get these plants established and enjoying their cheerful blooms from summer through fall.

Starting Echinacea indoors gives you a head start, but it's not strictly necessary in our Zone 7B climate. If you want to get blooms as early as possible, sow seeds indoors from late January through mid February. This gives you about 8 weeks to get them ready for transplanting.

Use seed trays filled with a good seed-starting mix and provide warmth and bright light, using grow lights if needed. Water from the bottom to avoid damping off and encourage strong root growth. Keep in mind that our springs can be variable, so be prepared to protect seedlings from late frost.

Transplant your Echinacea seedlings outdoors from early to late April, after the danger 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 sun and wind.

Space the plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for good air circulation. Although Echinacea is a perennial, keep in mind that seeds need cold stratification to germinate well, so buying starts can be an easier approach to getting these plants established.

Direct sowing Echinacea is a perfectly viable option in the Mid-Atlantic, especially if you're not in a rush for early blooms. Sow seeds directly into the garden from early April through mid July. This allows the seeds to benefit from the natural fluctuations in temperature.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge, which can take a few weeks. Thin the seedlings to 18-24 inches apart once they are a few inches tall.

Echinacea is known for its drought tolerance, making it a good choice for Mid-Atlantic gardens. Once established, it prefers to be on the drier side, so avoid overwatering. Our even rainfall distribution usually provides enough moisture.

During the hottest parts of our humid summers, check the soil moisture regularly using the "finger test." Stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases in our humid climate.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and stunted growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves and a mushy stem base. Mulching around the plants with shredded bark or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Deadheading Echinacea encourages more blooms throughout the growing season. Simply snip off the spent flower heads just below the flower, leaving the foliage intact. You can deadhead throughout the summer and into the fall.

Alternatively, you can leave some of the seed heads standing for birds like goldfinches, which love to feast on the seeds. In late winter, after the first frost in early November, cut back the entire plant to the ground to prepare for new growth in the spring.

You can expect to harvest Echinacea flowers from late June through early November in the Mid-Atlantic. The flowers are ready to harvest when the petals are fully open and the central cone is prominent. Harvest flowers in the morning after the dew has dried.

Cut the stems at the base, leaving a few inches of stem attached to the plant. This encourages continued production. You can harvest the petals for tea or leave the seed heads for the birds. As the first frost approaches in early November, harvest any remaining flowers and dry them for later use.

Echinacea, while generally hardy, can face a few challenges in the Mid-Atlantic. Aster yellows, powdery mildew, and Japanese beetles are the most common problems.

Aster Yellows

• What it looks like: Distorted, greenish flowers and stunted growth. The plant may also develop witches' brooms (clusters of small shoots).
• What causes it: A phytoplasma (bacteria-like organism) transmitted by leafhoppers.
• How to fix/prevent it: There is no cure for aster yellows. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Control leafhopper populations with insecticidal soap if needed.

Powdery Mildew

• What it looks like: White or grayish powdery coating on leaves, stems, and sometimes flower heads. Leaves may curl, yellow, and eventually 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. Remove and destroy affected leaves. Neem oil or potassium bicarbonate sprays can help. A milk spray (1 part milk to 9 parts water) is also 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 beetles are attracted to the foliage and flowers.
• 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.

Mid-Atlantic Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot summers, combined with high humidity and even rainfall, can create favorable conditions for fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Monitor your plants regularly and take preventative measures to ensure their health.

Good companions for Echinacea in the Mid-Atlantic include tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. Tomatoes and peppers benefit from the pollinators that Echinacea attracts. Herbs like rosemary and thyme can help deter pests. Avoid planting Echinacea near anything that requires constant moisture, as Echinacea prefers drier conditions.