Latest Prices for Coneflower Seeds and a Detailed Guide to Growing Them

Coneflower, also known as purple coneflower, Echinacea, eastern purple coneflower and so on, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Echinacea in the Asteraceae family. It gets its name because its flower head looks very much like a pine cone. Its shape is somewhat similar to that of an ordinary chrysanthemum, with relatively large flowers, brilliant colors and a beautiful appearance. It has high ornamental value and is planted all over the country. Now let us take a look at the price of coneflower seeds and how to grow them!

How much does a jin of coneflower seeds cost?

The price of coneflower seeds is about 180 to 240 yuan per jin, but prices vary greatly depending on seed quality, variety, place of origin, market and so on. Coneflower likes warmth, is vigorous and cold-resistant, likes light, tolerates drought, and is not choosy about soil. It grows well in deep, fertile soil rich in humus. In production it is propagated from seed, and the common methods are spring sowing, summer sowing and autumn sowing.

Sowing methods for coneflower

1. Land preparation and fertilization: For raising coneflower seedlings, first apply sufficient base fertilizer to the selected plot, spreading 1500 to 2000 kg per mu of rotted chicken manure, cow manure, barnyard manure and so on. After the fertilizer is spread evenly, plow the plot about 30 cm deep, level and harrow it fine, then make beds 150 to 200 cm wide.

2. Seed treatment: Put the coneflower seeds into warm water at 35 to 40 degrees Celsius and stir gently. After 2 to 3 hours, place them in an 800 to 1000 times dilution of potassium permanganate solution and soak for about 15 minutes. Take the seeds out, spread them on newspaper to dry for 1 to 2 hours, and then they are ready for sowing.

3. Sowing method: Coneflower sowing and seedling raising generally uses the method of mixing seeds with soil and broadcasting. After sowing, rake over the surface once more, and finally water thoroughly once. Be careful to use a gentle flood irrigation. About 7 to 10 days after sowing the seedlings break through the soil, and after 15 days the seedlings come up completely.

Seedling-stage management of coneflower

1. Watering and drainage: Coneflower seedlings need little water in the early stage, and generally do not need watering as long as the soil is kept moist. When the seedlings have 2 to 3 true leaves, begin watering, once every 15 to 20 days. If there is continuous rainy weather during the seedling stage, pay attention to flood control and drainage.

2. Weeding and thinning: When weeding coneflower, to avoid damaging the seedling roots, it is best to pull the weeds by hand. Be careful to pull them out roots and all to prevent the weeds from regrowing. At the same time, following the principle of “remove the weak and keep the strong”, thin out the seedlings that are relatively crowded.

3. Cold protection and overwintering: Before winter sets in, water coneflower once with anti-freezing water. Within 2 to 3 days after watering, cover with plastic sheeting for insulation. If a cold wave comes, add some more firewood, grass or straw mats for insulation, and finally press down the edges of the covering with soil to prevent it from being blown up by the wind.

Growing methods for coneflower

1. Land preparation and fertilization: Before transplanting coneflower, prepare the land and apply fertilizer, spreading 2500 to 3000 kg per mu of rotted chicken manure, cow manure, barnyard manure and so on. After the fertilizer is spread evenly, plow the plot about 30 cm deep, level and harrow it fine, then make beds 150 to 200 cm wide.

2. Sterilization and lifting of seedlings: Before lifting the coneflower seedlings, carry out a sterilization treatment on the seedlings, usually spraying once the previous day with a 600 times dilution of 75% chlorothalonil wettable powder. When lifting the seedlings, dig them out together with roots and soil, and minimize damage to the seedling roots.

3. Trenching and transplanting: Place the coneflower seedlings in the trench at a spacing of 20 to 25 cm per plant. When transplanting, first dig a small hole with a small shovel, put the seedling in and straighten it, then firm the seedling with the surrounding soil, and finally water thoroughly once to ensure the seedlings survive.

4. Cultivation and weeding: After the transplanted coneflower survives, carry out cultivation and weeding from time to time, but because the roots are shallow after the seedlings survive transplanting, cultivate shallowly to prevent damaging the roots.

5. Watering management: After transplanting, coneflower should be watered in time according to soil moisture. Watering should follow the principle of watering when dry and stopping when wet; generally water once every 10 to 15 days.

6. Reasonable fertilization: 20 days after transplanting coneflower, carry out the first topdressing, applying 500 to 800 kg per mu of human feces and urine along with the water. In mid-May, when coneflower enters the flowering period, apply about 5 kg per mu of potassium dihydrogen phosphate.

Pest and disease control for coneflower

1. Root rot

[Harm] After coneflower is infected by the disease, the upper leaves of the plant wilt, and even the leaves of the whole plant dry up. When the disease is severe, the roots turn brown until the whole plant dies.

[Control] Spray or drench the diseased plants with a 1000 times dilution of 40% fenaminosulf wettable powder, applying once every 3 to 5 days; 2 to 3 applications are enough to see results.

2. Yellow leaf disease

[Harm] The leaves of the plant turn yellow, some curl, growth is slow, the plant is dwarfed, the flowers become deformed, and the color becomes lighter.

[Control] Spray a 500 times dilution of 50% carbendazim wettable powder or a 600 times dilution of 75% chlorothalonil wettable powder, applying once every 7 to 10 days, for 2 to 3 consecutive applications.

3. Cabbage caterpillar

[Harm] Cabbage caterpillars chew on coneflower leaves, causing holes in the leaves and affecting the growth and development of the plant.

[Control] Spray a 1000 times dilution of 2.5% beta-cyfluthrin emulsifiable concentrate for control, applying once every 7 days; generally 2 to 3 applications are enough.