Coneflowers, or echinacea, are stunning additions to any summer garden. These drought-resistant perennials not only thrive in prairie-style landscapes but also attract a variety of pollinators. If you already have some in your garden, consider expanding your collection by harvesting their seeds.
Collecting seeds is a fulfilling task that often goes unnoticed. While this can be done with various flowers in the fall, coneflowers stand out due to their large, manageable seedheads.
Each echinacea flower produces numerous seeds
Hand Harvesting Coneflower Seeds
To gather seeds, refrain from deadheading some coneflower stems. Allow the wilted flowerheads to remain. Wait until the petals have dropped, leaving the spiky center intact. At this point, use pruners to snip them off.
Next, dry the seedheads. You can use a dehydrator on a low setting for a few hours or place them in a paper bag in a warm, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, as excessive heat can harm the seeds.
When the seedheads are dry, remove the small brown seeds. Wear gardening gloves for protection since the seedheads can be prickly. The seeds should easily detach when the seedhead is fully dried.
To dislodge the seeds, run your thumb over the seedhead. Alternatively, you can place it in a sealed container and gently shake until most seeds fall out. Make sure to remove any chaff as you go.
Helpful Tip: Steer clear of harvesting seeds from hybrid echinacea varieties, as they may be sterile, and the new plants often won't resemble the originals.
Using a Paper Bag to Collect Seeds
Another effective technique for harvesting coneflower seeds involves a paper bag. When cutting the seedhead, leave a bit of stem. Secure a paper bag around the seedhead and tie it at the base to hang it upside down. Over time, the seeds will naturally fall into the bag.
Afterward, open the bag and sift through to separate the seeds from any chaff before storing or sowing them.
Sow coneflower seeds in late summer or fall
Planting or Storing Coneflower Seeds
You can sow your harvested seeds directly into the ground or start them indoors in pots. If planting outdoors, harden off seedlings first. For heavy soils, improve drainage by mixing in well-rotted organic matter or planting on small mounds of grit and compost.
If you're not ready to plant immediately, store the seeds in a cool, dark location. Many gardeners use mini envelopes for storage, ensuring to label them with the date. Properly stored seeds can remain viable for a couple of years.
Each coneflower can yield a significant number of seeds, providing ample opportunity for new plants. Therefore, there's no need to harvest every seed; leaving some on the plant allows for self-sowing and offers food for birds as the weather cools, enriching your garden's wildlife habitat.
