How to grow Echinacea in Australia
Grow echinacea in full sun in free-draining soil, where this tough perennial copes well once established. Water while young, then it tolerates dry spells and dislikes wet feet.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 3 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 40 cm
- Time to harvest: 120 days
- Time to germinate: 14 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to May, September and October | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to May, September and October | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to May, September and October | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to May, September and October | |
| Adelaide & SA | March to May, September and October | |
| Perth & WA | March to May, September and October | |
| Tasmania | September to November | Sow Sep to Nov. Hardy perennial that dies down in winter and returns. |
| Canberra & ACT | September to November | Sow Sep to Nov. Hardy perennial that dies down in winter and returns; seed germinates better after a spell in the fridge. |
| North Queensland | May to September | Dry season May to Sep. Needs sharp drainage; crowns often rot in their first wet season, so many gardeners treat it as an annual. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to September | Dry season May to Sep. Needs sharp drainage; crowns often rot in their first wet season, so many gardeners treat it as an annual. |
Varieties
- Magnus
- White Swan
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick flowers when the petals are fully out and the central cone is firm and raised. For roots, dig mature plants once established; deadheading prolongs blooms.
Storage
Dry flowers and roots for tea. Dried material stores in sealed jars for 12+ months.