Guide to Growing Coneflowers

Soil:

Any well-draining soil will do for coneflowers. They can even handle sandy or gravelly soils that are tough to grow in, though coneflowers prefer soil that is high in organic matter.

Light:

Coneflowers need full sun (> 6 hours sun) environments. Plant them in a spot with at least 6 hours of full sun daily. If coneflowers are planted in too much shade, the stems may flop or strain to reach the sun.

Water:

Water regularly during the first season to encourage good root growth. Though coneflowers handle heat and dry conditions well once established, they appreciate regular watering and flowering more if they are not stressed!

Fertilizing:

Little to no fertilizer is required when growing coneflowers. Over-fertilizing will cause spindly growth and weaker blooms, so once in the spring a granular garden fertilizer is more than sufficient.

Winterizing:

Avoid damp spots. Do not heap mulching over the coneflower crowns in winter, as this can cause rot. Leave the foliage and old flowers standing for winter (birds enjoy the seed heads), then trim back or remove spent foliage in early spring before new growth emerges.

Maintenance & Pruning:

Once planted, they are best left alone, as they do not transplant well! Deadheading (snipping off the spent blooms) is unnecessary but increases new flower production.