Echinacea purpurea PURPLE CONEFLOWER (20 seeds)

Purple Coneflower, also known as Rudbeckia (historically) or Echinacea purpurea, is a hardy perennial from the Asteraceae family. Native to North America, this fast-growing variety reaches about 60 cm in height.

Its flowering is spectacular, featuring large purple flowers with drooping petals surrounding a prominent, dome-shaped orange center. It is a magnet for pollinators, attracting numerous insects such as butterflies and bees.

Echinacea seeds are light brown, angular with four sides, and have a hollow part on top; they measure about half a centimeter in length.

The foliage is green, elongated, and slightly serrated.

- Uses:

This is a major medicinal plant used to strengthen the immune system and prevent respiratory infections. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

It can be consumed as herbal tea, capsules, or mother tincture. For external use, it helps block bacterial proliferation and accelerates the healing of wounds.
Do not consume without medical advice from a healthcare professional.

- Germination and Sowing Seeds:

• The best time to sow Purple Coneflower is from the beginning of April until the end of May.
• Prepare a tray with fine horticultural potting soil.
• Sow the seeds on the surface.
• Cover them with 1/2 cm of moist substrate.
• Water gently with a hand sprayer.
• Place the tray in a greenhouse in a warm, humid spot at a temperature near 25°C.
• Germination generally begins 1 to 3 weeks after sowing.
• Once the seedlings reach 10 cm in height, it is time to plant them directly in the garden.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

It thrives in a light substrate rich in organic matter. If growing in a container, ensure the bottom of the pot is well-drained.

- Exposure / Light:

To bloom properly, it must be planted in a very bright location in full sun.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

This is a very resilient plant with a hardiness zone of USDA 3 to 8. This means it easily withstands winter temperatures as low as -16°C. During the growing season, it prospers at temperatures around 20°C.

- Irrigation / Water Needs:

Water regularly during the summer, avoiding excess water. It is best to water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal diseases on the leaves.

- Multiplication / Propagation:

The fastest and simplest way to reproduce this plant is through seeds.

- Pests / Diseases:

The plant can be susceptible to pests such as aphids or spider mites. It may also be affected by fungal diseases like powdery mildew.