Paradise Mix Echinacea

These sturdy, long-lived perennial prairie flowers sport a pretty skirt of vibrant ray petals around cone shaped centers. Well-established plants are sensational focal points for the summer garden and beacons for butterflies. This special mix offers the complete range of the newest forms and colors for a striking and harmonious blend of rosy-purple, apricot, yellow, orange and cream blossoms that will return to enchant you every season.
 
PERENNIAL
Summer/fall bloom
Hardy to zone 4
 
BEST TO START EARLY INDOORS
In spring, 6 weeks before last expected frost date, sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Cover 1/4 in. deep, keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source. Feed every 2 weeks with half strength fertilizer.
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant 2 to 3 inches apart into a deeper container or individual pots so root systems have room to develop. When plants are 3 to 4 inches tall, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions and plant out in full sun.
 
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 12 to 18 inches apart.
 
GROWING NOTES
Sturdy perennial echinacea, (A.K.A coneflower) can handle a wide range of weather conditions once well established. Plants will make sturdy foliage the first season, then send up long stems of 4 inch daisy shaped blossoms at midsummer for years. The nectar-rich florets of their cone shaped centers attract and nourish many butterflies. Keep spent flowers cut off to encourage repeat blooming.