Purple Coneflower Seeds - Echinacea Purpurea

Echinacea purpurea Seeds – Hardy, Medicinal Perennial for Pollinator-Rich UK Gardens

Grow one of nature’s most iconic and medicinal wildflowers with our premium Echinacea purpurea seeds – the Purple Coneflower. This bold, hardy perennial brings vibrant colour, reliable structure, and powerful herbal heritage to borders, meadows, and wildlife-friendly gardens across the UK.

Why Choose Echinacea purpurea?

• Beautiful daisy-like blooms in pink-purple with coppery-orange centres

• Long flowering from July to October in the UK

• Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

• Included in the RHS plants for pollinators list

• Extremely hardy – survives even cold UK winters

• Traditional medicinal uses: immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory

• Deer and rabbit resistant – perfect for rural gardens

What You’ll Receive

• UK-sourced, high viability Echinacea purpurea seeds from trusted Suppliers

• Full growing advice available from our team if needed

• Ideal for beds, borders, cottage gardens, prairie planting, and wildflower meadows

• Pack size: 0.25g - approx. 55–60 seeds (enough for 1–2m²)

History & Herbal Uses

A native of North American prairies, Echinacea purpurea has been used for centuries by Indigenous peoples and later by herbalists as a natural immune support remedy. Its roots and flowers are still used in herbal teas, tinctures, and salves today.

Popularised in 19th-century European medicine, it is now grown worldwide for its ornamental value and therapeutic properties.

Germination & Growing Guide (UK-Specific)

Echinacea is easy to grow from seed, but understanding its dormancy cycle is essential for success – especially in temperate climates like the UK.

When to Sow Echinacea Seeds (UK)

Method	Timing (UK)	Notes
Outdoors (direct)	March–May or September	Sow directly once soil warms or try autumn sowing for natural stratification (Best Option)
Indoors (best results)	Jan–April or Aug–Sept	Use cold stratification for improved germination

❄️ Cold Stratification Requirements

Echinacea seeds have natural dormancy and need a cold moist period to germinate reliably. This mimics overwintering and breaks the seed’s internal “sleep” mode.

DIY Cold Stratification (Indoors – January to April)

• Moisten a small amount of vermiculite, sand, or paper towel (damp, not soaking).

• Mix seeds into the moist medium.

• Place mixture into a sealed zip-lock bag or container.

• Refrigerate at 4–5°C (bottom of fridge) for 4 to 6 weeks.

• After stratification, sow seeds into trays or pots with well-drained compost.

• Lightly sprinkle 1mm of compost or vermiculite over the seeds – light aids germination.

• Keep at 15–20°C, ideally using a heated propagator or windowsill.

• Germination should occur in 10–30 days after stratification.

✅ Tip: Sow into plug trays to avoid root disturbance during transplanting.

Growing On & Planting Out

• When seedlings develop true leaves, transplant to individual pots

• Harden off before moving outdoors in May/June

• Space 30–45cm apart in borders or meadow-style beds

• Full sun is ideal, but will tolerate light shade

• First flowers appear in year 2, but early sowings may flower in year 1

Care & Maintenance

• Water regularly until established

• Drought-tolerant once mature

• Deadhead for longer bloom time or leave seed heads for winter interest

• Cut back dead stems in late winter or early spring

• Divide clumps every 3–5 years to maintain vigour

Wildlife & Pollinator Benefits

• Flowers are rich in nectar and pollen

• Attracts bees, hoverflies, and butterflies

• Seed heads provide food for finches and winter birds

• Great companion for rudbeckia, lavender, salvia, and grasses

Ideal Growing Conditions (UK)

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile; avoid heavy clay

• Hardiness: Fully hardy – down to -20°C

• Height: 60–100cm

• Lifespan: Long-lived perennial (5–10+ years)

Garden Design Ideas

• Use in cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, or prairie planting schemes

• Mass plant for bold colour and structure

• Combine with ornamental grasses for a modern naturalistic look

• Excellent as a cut flower – long-lasting and striking

Order Your Echinacea purpurea Seeds Today

Whether you're building a wildlife haven, designing a medicinal herb garden, or looking for drought-tolerant, long-flowering perennials, Echinacea purpurea is a smart, sustainable choice.

✅ UK climate tested
✅ Supports biodiversity & soil health
✅ A favourite with herbalists & pollinators alike
✅ Packaged and shipped from the UK

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