PURPLE CONEFLOWER Echinacea purpurea Perennial - Permanent Plant - Height 3 to 4 feet Long lasting large purple flowers on tall robust plants. Its long stems make it ideal for cut flower bouquets. Native to the central eastern United States, it is somewhat drought resistant once established. Ideal for mass plantings in larger gardens, it also combines well with other tall perennials such as Shasta and Gloriosa daisies. Special Directions for Short Season Climates SOWING: Sow seeds directly outdoors from early spring after danger of severe frost has passed. Seeds sown early enough may bloom the first year. Seeds sown from late spring through early fall will boom the following year. Cover seeds with 1/8" fine soil. THINNING & SPACING: Thin or carefully transplant seedlings 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for eventual growth. GERMINATION: Two to three weeks. Keep soil moderately moist during germination and early growth. Ed's Special Advice Plants grow best in fairly rich well drained soil. Select a sunny location (will tolerate light shade) and only water established plants when dry. Its daisy like petals around the prickly cone shaped center, start out growing flat and gradually point downward Divide large clumps of well established plants in the spring or fall. Return to:  Seed Rack   Visual Seed Rack