Echinacea purpurea ‘Alan’s Pride’ (Echinacea purpurea), 10 seeds

Purple coneflower ‘Alan’s Pride’ (Echinacea purpurea) is a striking, first-year flowering coneflower distinguished by its soft, zesty lime-green petals and golden-green centers. With sturdy, upright stems, excellent garden performance, and strong weather resistance, it blooms reliably from summer into fall, attracting pollinators. Its unusual, chic color makes it ideal for beds, borders, containers, cutting gardens, and long-lasting floral arrangements. Typically reaches around 60–70 cm, thrives in full sun, and prefers average to humus-rich, well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought tolerant and low-maintenance. Bred by Alan Sparkes in the Netherlands, ‘Alan’s Pride’ received the Fleuroselect Novelty Award in 2022 for its outstanding performance and unique coloration, with petals that remain proudly horizontal rather than drooping.

Echinacea seeds are best started indoors. Cover with a thin layer of soil. Light is required for germination. Temp. 20-24°C. Germination lasts 5 - 20 days. Germination can be slow and irregular. If germination does not occur, cold stratify. Move to 4°C for 2–4 weeks, then bring back to warmth. Repeat the process until germination begins. Before planting outdoors, it is recommended to acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions. Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun. Avoid excessive watering. Blooms in the first year after sowing.