ECHINACEA TENNESSEENSIS SEEDS

Echinacea tenneseensis

Nearly extirpated from its native Tennessee habitat in the late 20th century, this species has more recently become the darling of public and private gardens around the world. It survives and thrives thanks to the interest and diligence of conservationists and horticulturalists and is a small but mighty testament to their valuable work. It also happens to be an extraordinarily charming plant once established, one that we easily favor for looks and habit over other Echinacea species and hybrids. Mercifully adaptable to most soils and climates in the United States and seems to thrive on neglect.

The pretty pink petals of E. tennesseensis are slightly upturned and picture perfect en masse. Plants grow to just over 2', making them suitable for tucking into the herb garden with hyssop or lavender. Young plants in pots look scraggly and weak, which perhaps accounts for why they have not become more popular with nursery folk, but rest assured that these plants become tough and sturdy once in the Earth and the sun.

These seeds germinate best with some stratification. Though they may be sown directly into the garden in very early spring, they are still fairly expensive, so we pot them up: tuck seeds just below the surface of moist soil, pressing to keep seed snug. Mist generously and cover with plastic. Place in the refrigerator or outdoors in a sheltered location (an unheated barn or screened porch, out of direct sunlight) in winter for 4 weeks or so before returning to cool room temperature in bright light. Seeds in pots placed outdoors may be left there to germinate in the spring, but take care to keep the soil moist. Either way, prick out germinated seedlings to grow on in individual 3" pots in bright light. Harden off well-rooted plants before transplanting into full sun around the date of the last spring frost or in autumn.

Packet contains at least 30 seeds.