Family:  Aster (Asteraceae)

Hardy to Zones 4 to 12

Herbaceous perennial prairie dweller.  Originally native to a wide band stretching from Michigan south to Louisiana, then west to Texas and Oklahoma, but currently uncommon in the wild. Widely cultivated. Does well in pots.  Among all 9 species of Echinacea, this one is best suited to varied growing conditions, whether coastal or mountain, east or west. It is easy to grow, and produces on the average 1/2 pound of fresh root by the dormant period following the second year of growth. Our strain was originally derived from a rare wild collection.  It has not been intentionally modified or hybridized in any way from the original source, and therefore contains the rich spectrum of active chemicals found in the original wild plant. Traditional usage (TWM): immune enhancement, antiinflammatory. Plant prefers full sun and rich, moist soil of garden or grassland.  Sow seed in the early spring in flats outdoors or in the greenhouse, and transplant seedlings out to the garden or field in mid-spring (middle of May in our area). Starting earlier, and transplanting twice into progressively bigger containers will result in a much better rooted transplant, which will probably flower in the first year. It is fairly easy to seed this plant directly in the garden or field. Sow the seed shallowly in the early to mid-spring. Keep moist. Once the plants are up, you must stay on top of the weeds, and thin to 1 foot spacing after the second set of leaves has formed.   Plant 1 foot apart. Flowers 3 to 4 feet tall.

Packet contains 100 seeds
5 g contains ~2,100 seeds
10 g contains ~4,200 seeds
100 g contains ~42,000 seeds

Certified Organically Grown