How to grow coneflower? Detailed explanation of cultivation and propagation methods
Coneflower is a hardy perennial flower that grows well outdoors in the north, with a flowering period from May to October. It likes warmth and sunshine. Although it is suitable for fertile soil, it is also tolerant of poor soil and partial shade, fears waterlogging and drought, and has good resistance. It grows vigorously, has extremely strong adaptability, strong resistance, a long flowering period, and high ornamental value. In winter, it is best to overwinter indoors, and the overwintering temperature must not be lower than -5°C. During the growing period, the soil should be kept moist. Before flowering in summer, it should be watered appropriately and given liquid fertilizer, which can extend the flowering period. In the rainy season, pay attention to drainage and prevent the plants from lodging. After flowering, promptly cut off the spent flowers, which can extend the ornamental period.
The capitulum of coneflower is terminal. The main flower stem blooms first, then the axillary buds produce lateral flower stems and form flower buds. When water and fertilizer conditions are sufficient, stems and flowers are produced gradually, and the flowering period can last up to 2 months without fading. The life span of a single flower is about 10-15 days. To maintain a good ornamental effect, pinching can be done at the right time to promote the formation of lateral flowers. Pinching again later can form a second set of lateral flowers. Pinching can also dwarf the plants and prevent lodging.
Coneflower is commonly propagated by sowing and division
Sowing propagation can be carried out in both spring and autumn. The suitable germination temperature for seeds is 20-22°C. Keep the seedbed surface moist, and germination will occur 3 weeks after sowing. In early spring in April, it can be directly sown outdoors. With normal management, it can bloom in July-August. If sown in autumn from September to October, it can bloom in May of the following year. Division is also carried out in early spring or late autumn. Plants propagated by division recover quickly and have a high survival rate.
During cultivation, note the following:
During the growing season from March to June, water continuously to keep the soil moist. Use post-flowering pruning to control the flowering period. For example, if pruned after flowering in April-May and fertilizer management is strengthened, it can bloom a second time in July-August; if pruned after flowering in May-June and given fertilizer and water, it can bloom a second time in September-October.
Cultivation techniques for coneflower
Coneflower, Echinacea purpurea, Asteraceae, Echinacea genus, native to North America, cultivated in various countries.
Plant height 60-150 cm, the whole plant has coarse hairs, stems erect. Basal leaves ovate or triangular, with petioles; stem leaves ovate-lanceolate, slightly clasping the stem. Capitulum solitary at the branch tip, about 10 cm in diameter; ray florets purplish red, tubular florets orange-yellow, prominent and spherical. Flowering period from late spring to autumn.
It likes a warm, sunny environment, is cold-resistant, and requires soil rich in humus, fertile and deep.
Sowing propagation can be carried out in both spring and autumn. Division propagation can also be carried out in early spring or late autumn.
Suitable for natural-style planting of wildflowers, combined with other flowers for flower borders and the edges of tree clumps by hedges, and can also be used as cut flowers.
Cultivation and management of coneflower
Coneflower is also called purple coneflower, eastern purple coneflower, and purple cone flower. It resembles chrysanthemum, is rich in color and glossy, and is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. Coneflower can be used as a cut flower and is also a good large potted flower plant. At the same time, its flowers are very large, with a diameter of up to 15 cm, and it is a good material for making dried flowers.1. Propagation methods. Mainly sowing propagation, division propagation, and cutting propagation, with sowing propagation as the main method. (1) Sowing propagation: Sowing can be carried out in late April in spring or early September in autumn. After deeply turning and leveling the outdoor seedbed, water it thoroughly. After the water has completely seeped into the ground, broadcast the seeds, keeping the area occupied by each seed at 4 square cm, and control the temperature at about 22°C. Germination will occur in 2 weeks. When the seedlings grow to 2 true leaves, transplant them. When the seedlings are about 10 cm tall, plant them out. The planting spacing is 40 x 40 cm. (2) Division propagation: For perennial mother plants, division propagation can be carried out in spring and autumn. Each plant needs 4-5 terminal buds cut away from the rhizome. (3) Cutting propagation: Take young shoots about 5 cm long and insert them with leaves into a sand bed. The cutting bed must not be too wet, and the air humidity should be high. At a temperature of 22°C, they can take root in 3-4 weeks.
2. Cultivation management. Whether the plants are from division or sowing, when planting out, choose a sunny environment. After deeply turning the soil, apply decomposed farmyard manure or add a certain amount of bone meal, sesame residue, etc. Determine the plant spacing according to need, and water thoroughly. During the growing period, increase fertilizer and water. Near the flowering period, foliar spray with potassium permanganate liquid fertilizer 2 times, and the flower color will be bright and long-lasting, and the plant shape will be full and well-proportioned. For plants overwintering outdoors, after flowering remove the spent flower stems and dead leaves, water thoroughly for winter protection, or cover the underground parts with compost or earth. To make coneflower bloom more, two methods can be used: sowing in stages and timely pruning after flowering.
(1) Sowing in stages: If sown in autumn of the previous year, it can bloom at the end of April or early May of the following year, and the flowering period can last more than two months; if sown in a greenhouse in early spring, it can bloom in July-August; if sown in May, it can bloom in September; if sown in June, it can bloom in October. (2) Pruning spent flowers to regulate the flowering period. For example, if pruned after the flowers fade in June and given good fertilizer and water conditions at the same time, it can bloom again in September-October.
For potted coneflower, the potting soil should be a loose, fertile mixed soil or culture soil. When planting, depending on the pot size, 3-5 seedlings can be planted per pot. In the early growth stage, pinch once to promote branching. It is best to renew the plants once a year. Do not water too much. In the plum rain season, when air humidity is high, watering should be controlled even more. During the growing period, apply dilute liquid fertilizer to promote growth. When flower buds form, fertilize once a week. After each fertilization, sprinkle clear water to prevent fertilizer from sticking to the plants. To avoid rain, cultivation is generally carried out in a greenhouse, and it should be placed in a well-ventilated, sunny place. The minimum temperature must not be lower than 10°C, and in hot summer proper shading is needed.
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