ECHINACEA PURPUREA SEEDS

Echinacea purpurea

Indigenous to North America, at least three species of Echinacea were used extensively by diverse Native American tribes. In recent years, the focus has been primarily on this species, Echinacea purpurea, after studies in Germany using high quality extractives found evidence of its powerful immunomodulating potential. Consequently, the market has been flooded with all kinds of questionable products and claims. Even among herbalists, the medicinal value of E. purpurea has been exaggerated and misunderstood. And because there is no regulation of herbal products in the United States, it is unlikely that most domestic commercial preparations can compare to those available in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. Adulteration is more common than not. If you'd like to use this species for medicinal purposes, you might seriously consider growing it and preparing it yourself.

Also known as Eastern Purple Coneflower, this species is perhaps the most attractive in the genus, and there are now dozens, possibly hundreds, of ornamental selections and hybrids grown all over the world. Most seeds available in North America have been selected for aesthetic value. These seeds are from plants selected and produced in Germany for pharmacological use.

Sow these seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or directly into the garden in spring. Tuck seeds beneath the surface of moist soil, pressing to keep seed snug. Kept warm, about 65°F, and moist in bright light, seeds will typically germinate within a few weeks. If starting indoors, take care to harden off before transplanting into rich warm soil around the date of the last spring frost. Space plants generously to encourage root development. Mulch to maintain soil moisture and to discourage weeds.

Vigorous growth in the first year. In ideal soils, roots may be harvested in the first year, although they are more typically harvested in the second year. Very hardy, this species will survive temperatures of -30°F if grown in heavily mulched well-drained soils. In the wild, this species is most happy on the edge of a woodland. This selection is adapted to field production.

Modern preparations of this species utilize both the tops and bottoms, although historically it was the fresh root of this species that was used in the treatment of upper respiratory distress, dyspepsia, and venereal disease. Ethnobotanical uses notwithstanding, contemporary extractives of this species are frequently prescribed for both internal and topical use in the treatment of myriad disease and dysfunction. Juice or tincture of the fresh root contains the most pharmacologically active components, although extractives of aerial parts of the plant have long been sold as Echinacin in Germany. Ample research on this product is available online.

Individuals with autoimmune disorders should absolutely avoid Echinacea. Likewise, Echinacea should not be used in the treatment of viral infections that provoke excessive cytokine production, such as SARS Co-V-2/COVID-19. There is no evidence to support long term use of Echinacea purpurea.

Beautiful plants. Easy and worth growing for purely ornamental purposes.

Packet contains at least 100 seeds.