Coneflower Seed Prices and Planting Methods Explained
Coneflower, also known as purple coneflower, Echinacea, or eastern purple coneflower, is a very beautiful flower. The coneflower's blooms are quite large and their colors are very vibrant; they can not only be planted in flower beds and parks, but also grown in pots at home or in the courtyard, where they can serve to accent the surroundings. Besides its ornamental value, coneflower also has certain medicinal value and can boost people's immunity. Let's take a look below at coneflower seed prices and planting methods.
I. Coneflower Seed Prices
Coneflower seed prices are affected by many factors and vary somewhat from place to place, such as the variety of coneflower seed, the purchasing channel, the quantity purchased, and the place of origin. When buying, try to make your purchase at a reputable flower market so that you get good-quality, suitable coneflower seeds.
II. Coneflower Seed Planting Methods
1. Sowing method
Before sowing, first put the seeds into a basin, then add warm water at 35—40 degrees, and stir gently so that all the seeds are soaked in the water; after 2-3 hours, scoop the seeds out and spread them evenly on newspaper. After drying them for 1—2 hours, you can sow them.
Coneflower seedlings are generally raised by broadcasting. When sowing, first put some fine soil in a basin, then use your hands to mix the seeds and fine soil evenly. Next, scatter the seeds evenly in the seedbed, then rake over them once to cover them, and finally give them one thorough watering. Be careful to use a gentle flood irrigation so as not to wash the seeds together, which would cause uneven germination. About 7—10 days after watering, the seedlings break through the soil, and after 15 days the seedlings will all have emerged.
2. Temperature
Coneflower is a relatively cold-tolerant plant that can grow well in many regions of our country and adapt to cold climates. However, if you want coneflower to grow well and bloom brilliantly, it should be placed in a warm, sunny spot. Pay attention to maintaining the temperature at ordinary times; winter temperatures are low, so take countermeasures in advance and move it indoors to a warmer place in good time. Do not place it under strong light either, otherwise it will scorch the plant.
3. Water control
During the growing period, coneflower needs the most water, but even at this time, watering only about once every two weeks is enough. During the seedling stage and flowering stage, watering should be reduced; the specific amount of watering should be based on the soil moisture, and you only need to keep it from drying out.
Watering should also be controlled in winter. The winter climate is cold; although coneflower is cold-tolerant as mentioned above, we need to water it once when winter arrives, and after watering, put a plastic bag over the plant and then place it indoors. This both keeps the temperature constant and locks in moisture.
4. Prune in time
If we handle it properly, coneflower can bloom three times a year. After each bloom, promptly prune away the withered flowers, because these flowers waste nutrients for nothing, and if not pruned in time they will affect the next bloom.
Coneflower not only has vivid flower colors, but its fragrance is also very rich. Placing a pot of it at home in summer is sure to decorate your home beautifully.