Purple Coneflower Echinacea

75 SEEDS. Echinacea purpurea. 90 - 120 days. Perennial. Zones 3 - 9. This popular wildflower variety produces beautiful purple and fuschia daisy-like blooms atop tall, slender, upright stems. Traditionally used for its medicinal effects, the sweet-tasting petals and leaves can be brewed into a soothing tea either fresh or dried. Easy to grow and attracts plenty of pollinators!  Direct sow in the Fall 1/2" deep in average, well-drained soil amended with compost for blooms the following Spring. Can also be started indoors 8 - 10 weeks before the last frost date after cold stratification. Keep moist and at 65 - 70° F. Germinates in 10 - 21 days. Transfer outdoors after danger of the last frost has passed. Keep well-watered at the soil level throughout the growing season, taking care not to overwater as they can handle drier soils. Space plants 12 - 24" apart. Full sun to light shade. Benefits from regular deadheading. Grows up to 4' tall.