How to Plant Echinacea Roots

Where to Plant Echinacea

Coneflowers prefer well-drained soil and full sun. They may reach between 2 and 4 feet in height, depending on variety. Coneflowers are very tolerant of poor soil conditions, but they perform best in soil that's rich so mix in organic matter if needed.

How to Plant Echinacea

Loosen the soil to 12-15 inches deep, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost. Plant coneflowers about 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the mature size of the variety. Native coneflowers do not need fertilizer, just make sure your soil has plenty of organic matter when planted.

How to Care for Echinacea

When flowers are spent, you can deadhead if you want to extend the blooming season. Or, you can leave late-season flowers on the plants to mature, the seed heads will attract birds and promote self-seeding. Otherwise, deadheading will prevent self seeding.