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Echinacea: seed, growing from seed
Echinacea seed propagation is a somewhat laborious, but very interesting process. You can purchase varietal seeds at specialty stores or nurseries. Some gardeners prefer to use planting material collected at the end of summer from their flowers.
Growing echinacea from seeds
For growing Echinacea seedlings, light, moisture-proof soil is suitable. You can buy it at the store or make it yourself. The soil brought from the garden must be disinfected. The soil can be deep frozen, baked in the oven or treated with a manganese solution.
It is recommended to plant seeds in mid-February, but before that they must be soaked in water with the addition of a growth stimulant. You can simply wrap them in a damp cloth and put them on a saucer. It is important to keep the wipes moist at all times. The seeds may take 2 weeks to 1,5 months to germinate.
When most of the seeds begin to germinate, you can start sowing them in the ground. For growing seedlings, small boxes or glasses are usually used. Seeds are laid out in the holes made in the soil, then they are sprinkled with a thin layer of sand or earth. From above, the boxes must be covered with glass or plastic wrap. The soil should be periodically moistened with a spray bottle.
How is Echinacea seeds planted?
Sowing seeds in open ground in spring or autumn is practiced. Due to their long germination, most gardeners prefer to plant seeds in early fall. As practice shows, seeds that fell from plants in autumn germinate better the next year. Such seedlings adapt to the environment much faster and look stronger.
It has been proven that plants grown by sowing seeds in open ground have the greatest healing power. Their roots contain more nutrients and trace elements.
Before planting in the soil, the seeds should be kept for some time in water with a growth stimulant diluted in it. For planting, the largest seeds are selected, which are planted in prepared grooves. It is not recommended to deeply deepen them into the soil. It is enough to press the seeds into the soil a little and sprinkle on top with a small layer of sand or earth.
Echinacea is a unique plant. It will not only become part of the design of your site, but will also help improve the health of your family and friends. The main thing is to observe in all measure and use information from trusted sources.