Echinacea is native to eastern and central North America, where they are found growing in moist to dry prairies and open wooded areas. They have large, showy flowers, blooming from early to late summer.

Echinacea species are herbaceous, drought-tolerant perennial plants growing up to 140 cm or 4 feet, in height. They have strong, erect stems.

Type: Hardy perennial

Hardiness zones: 3-9

Height: 48", 4 feet

Location: Sun or part shade.

Seeds per packet: 20

Germination: Start indoors. Sow the seeds just under the surface and water in. Leave them at room temperature for 4 weeks. This helps break the phytohormones which inhibit germination. They will not grow yet. Then a cooling period is required. Cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 80 days. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold-moist stratification period they are then brought back to a cool room (15-18C, 59-68F) for them to germinate. Germination is generally 30-60 days after the warming period, though some can take longer.