Purple Coneflower Planting Guide
Native perennial prized by pollinators, with drooping purple petals and spiny orange centers
Best Time and Place to Plant Coneflower
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Purple Coneflower in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 90F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 5 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | September 1 to September 30 |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | September 10 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | April 1 to May 15 | September 15 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 20 to May 10 | September 20 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | March 1 to April 30 | October 1 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 15 to April 15 | October 15 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | February 1 to April 1 | November 1 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | November 1 to January 15 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | November 1 to February 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 18 inches apart, 24 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 60F to 90F
- Sunlight: 5+ hours
- Watering: 1 inch per week in first year; drought tolerant once established
- Days to harvest: 90
Fertilization
- Compost organic: Light 1 inch dressing; avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers
Companion Plants
- Black-Eyed Susan
- Ornamental Grasses
- Bee Balm
Avoid Planting Near
No avoid-planting conflicts are listed yet.
Harvest Signs
- Petals are reflexed (drooping back) and cone is prominent
- Leave seedheads for finch and goldfinch feeding
- Deadhead lightly for more blooms, or let seeds form
- Perennial — spreads and reseeds over time
FAQs
When should I plant Coneflower?
Coneflower planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Coneflower?
The best time of year to plant Coneflower is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 60F to 90F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Coneflower?
Plant Purple Coneflower in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 90F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Coneflower?
Plant Coneflower about 18 inches apart, with rows around 24 inches apart.
What grows well with Coneflower?
Coneflower is commonly paired with Black-Eyed Susan, Ornamental Grasses, Bee Balm.