How to grow coneflowers
Coneflowers are native to the Eastern and northern parts of north America. These flowers can grow about 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Blooming time for coneflowers is in the summer and fall seasons.
Flowers come in colours like pink, orange, purple, red and white . These flowers grow well between zones 3 to 9. Coneflowers attract a variety of bees and pollinators. Beneficial insects will also be attracted to coneflowers.
These flowers naturally self-seed. Here is how to grow coneflowers.
Growing conditions of coneflowers
Coneflowers require full sun to grow. They need well-draining soil to grow. They are drought-tolerant as well. Coneflowers grow best when temperatures are between 15 to 27°C. Coneflowers are drought tolerant and require watering if the soil is dry. Native varieties do not need much fertilisation.
How to grow coneflowers from seed
Start seeds 8 weeks before the last frost date. Take a seed tray, fill it with seed starting mix and sow 2 to 3 seeds in a single cell. Seeds should be sowed 1/4 inch deep. Seeds will germinate within 2 to 3 weeks.
How to grow coneflowers at home
Loosen the soil for 12 to 15 inches and fill it with compost. Dig a hole twice the size of the sapling’s root ball. Space the plants 1 to 3 feet apart and water thoroughly. Spread layers of compost and mulch on the soil surface. This keeps the soil moist and prevents weeds.
Growing coneflowers in pots
Coneflowers can also be grown in pots. The pots should be deep enough for the taproots. Take larger pots with draining holes in the bottom. Pots should be at least 15 inches deep. Next spread gravel in the bottom. Plant the sapling and place it in a partial shade for 2 to 3 days. Then deeply water. Fertilise the plant once in 4 weeks with a balanced fertiliser. Deadhead flowers regularly to ensure fresh blooms.
Avoid over-watering the plant. Coneflowers can be grown easily through propagation. Divide and repot the coneflowers once in 3 to 4 years.
Pests and Diseases
Powdery mildew, Japanese beetles and leaf hoppers can harm your coneflowers. Spraying neem oil on a regular basis can help to control these pests.
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