*Purple Coneflower is considered by many to be a a medicinal herb. The main claim is that it is very useful in building up the immune system. Echinacea is also known for its properties that promote anti-inflammatory action believed to be the most powerful of all natural antibiotics . many people claim that if taken at the beginning of cold symptoms the severity of the cold is much less and shorter in duration.
Location
Echinacea does best in full sun in a relatively poor soil without fertilizer. The soil should be a light gravely clay type for optimum growth.
Propagation
Echinacea seed is very difficult to germinate if sown in the field there fore germination in a greenhouse or seed starter is recommended. Cover Echinacea seeds lightly, if at all, during germination. Germinate at 65°F. to 79°F., and transplant within 20 days to 30 days after sowing the seeds . Do not let E. angustifolia get past the first true leaf stage before transplanting. Their deep taproot is established early and is difficult to transplant. Sow seed in January or February to ensure well-rooted transplants by May or June.
Growing
Echinacea is known to be exceptionally drought tolerant and will require little or no water after the first year unless drought conditions exist. The plants should be watered during the first year if the soil dries on top. Fertilizer is not recommended. Make sure to cultivate around the plants to remove weeds during the first year because Echinacea does not do well with weed competition. Do not mulch as organic mulches can hold too much water at the crown, which results in poor root development.
Harvesting
Generally roots are harvested in the fall after the first frost when vegetative growth is dry and brown Usually during the 2nd year of growth. Rots are dug by hand and dryed. Leaves are generally harvested green while the plants are blooming and dryed in a dark place so the sun does not breakdown the active constituents.
*Disclaimer : This information is not to be considered as medical advise it is strongly recommended that you consult your doctor before ingesting any medicinal herbs.
