Powwow Wild Berry Echinacea

Sow seeds indoors in late winter in small pots at 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover seeds lightly with vermiculite to maintain humidity around them. An optional pre-chilling step increases germination rates: mix seeds with moistened peat moss, seal in a plastic bag, place at 60 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 days, then refrigerate for 30 to 90 days before sowing. Seeds germinate within 14 to 21 days under warm, moist conditions. Once sprouted, grow seedlings at 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Transplant outdoors after hardening off when soil has warmed in spring.

Transplant hardened-off seedlings outdoors in earliest spring once frost danger has passed and soil is workable. Space plants 1 inch apart at minimum, though they will expand as they mature into their full 12- to 18-inch width.

Direct sow seeds in earliest spring or late summer, covering lightly with soil. Seeds will germinate within 14 to 21 days when soil temperatures are warm and moisture is consistent.

For fresh-cut flowers, harvest in the morning when blooms are fresh and petals are just opening, using a clean knife dipped in a 10 percent household bleach solution. A few drops of bleach in the vase will extend the flowers' lifespan significantly. For medicinal use, harvest flowers and roots during their peak potency in mid-to-late summer when color is vibrant and plants are fully established.

No pruning is required for this compact cultivar, though deadheading spent flowers encourages continued blooming throughout the season. Allow some flowers to mature naturally in late summer if you wish to collect seeds for future plantings.