Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) 20 seeds

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – a hardy, perennial and highly ornamental plant with vibrant purplish-pink blooms and a pronounced central cone. It flowers abundantly from mid-summer into autumn, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Forms strong stems and usually reaches 80–110 cm in height. Very drought-tolerant, winters well, and is easy to care for.

It is best to start echinacea seeds indoors. Cover lightly with a thin layer of soil, as light is required for germination. Ideal temperature: 20–24°C. Germination usually takes 5–20 days, but can be slow and irregular. If germination does not occur, cold stratification is recommended: place the seeds at around 4°C for 2–4 weeks, then return them to warmth, repeating the process until germination begins. Before planting outdoors, harden off the seedlings. Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun. Avoid overwatering. Usually flowers from the second year. Apply a dry mulch layer before winter for protection.