Coneflower Starlight

70 Seeds

About Coneflower Starlight

🌿 Echinacea 'Starlight' Seed Starting Instructions

🗓️ When to Start

• Indoors: 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost date.

• Outdoors: After the last frost, when soil temperatures are consistently above 65°F (18°C).

🌱 Sowing Seeds Indoors

1. Prepare Containers: Use seed trays or pots filled with a well-draining seed-starting mix.

2. Sow Seeds: Place seeds on the surface and lightly press them into the soil. Do not cover, as they require light to germinate.

3. Maintain Conditions:

   • Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C).

   • Light: Provide bright, indirect light or use grow lights for 14–16 hours daily.

   • Humidity: Cover with a plastic dome or wrap to retain moisture.

4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

5. Germination Time: Typically 10–20 days.

🌿 Transplanting Outdoors

• Timing: After the danger of frost has passed and seedlings are 4–6 inches tall.

• Hardening Off: Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.

• Spacing: Plant 18–24 inches apart in a location with full sun and well-draining soil.

• Watering: Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

• Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

🌼 Additional Tips

• Soil pH: Echinacea prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0).

• Fertilization: Echinacea is low-maintenance; over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.

• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.

• Attracts Wildlife: Flowers attract butterflies; seed heads are favored by goldfinches.