How to Plant Echinacea in Pots

If you love the look of echinacea flowers, also known as coneflowers, but don't have the space for a large flower bed, don't worry! Echinacea can be grown in pots and containers with just a few easy steps. Read on to learn how to plant echinacea in pots.

Step 1: Choose Your Container

The first step to planting echinacea in pots is to choose the right container. Echinacea has a long root system, so you'll want a pot that's at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Make sure your container has drainage holes, as echinacea doesn't like to be in standing water.

Step 2: Select Your Soil

Echinacea prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Choose a potting mix that contains perlite, vermiculite, or sand to help with drainage. If needed, you can add compost or aged manure to enrich the soil. Fill your container with the potting mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top.

Step 3: Plant Your Echinacea

Before planting your echinacea, make sure to water it thoroughly. Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots. Center the plant in the pot and fill in the soil around it. Press the soil down gently to remove any air pockets. Planting multiple echinacea plants in one pot is possible, but be sure to leave enough space between them to allow for growth.

Step 4: Water and Care for Your Echinacea

After planting, water your echinacea thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Echinacea prefers full sun, so place your pot in a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Fertilize your echinacea once a month with an all-purpose fertilizer, following the instructions on the package. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few additional tips to help your echinacea thrive:

Echinacea is drought-tolerant but prefers consistent moisture. Water your plant regularly, especially during hot or dry periods.

Trim back any dead or damaged leaves as they appear.

Be on the lookout for pests such as aphids, which can be removed with a strong blast of water or insecticidal soap.

Consider planting companion plants with your echinacea, such as salvias, milkweeds, or black-eyed susans.

Now that you know how to plant echinacea in pots, you can enjoy these beautiful blooms whether you have a large garden or just a small balcony.