Tomato Soup Echinacea Seeds – Stunning Perennial for Borders, Prairies

Tomato Soup Echinacea Seeds – Stunning Perennial for Borders, Prairies

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Echinacea purpurea 'Tomato Soup'
• Common Name: Coneflower
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Bloom Color: Rich, warm tomato-orange petals surrounding a dark center cone
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil
• Watering Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established, but prefers consistent moisture during active growth
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy growth habit with strong stems
• Height & Spread: Grows 24-36 inches tall, spreading 18-24 inches
• Hardiness Zones: USDA 4-9

Why Grow Tomato Soup Echinacea?

• Bold, vibrant blooms in a unique tomato-orange color provide a striking contrast in the garden
• Attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds, making it an excellent addition to wildlife gardens
• Long-lasting flowers that bloom from midsummer to fall, offering months of color
• Drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for low-water gardens or xeriscaping
• Low-maintenance perennial, requiring minimal care while offering consistent beauty year after year

Planting & Care Instructions

Seed Preparation & Sowing

• Cold Stratification for Best Germination:
  • Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting
  • Refrigerate the seeds for 4-6 weeks (cold stratification) to enhance germination
• Sowing Instructions:
  • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost
  • Use a well-draining, sterile seed-starting mix
  • Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and lightly cover with soil
  • Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
  • Maintain a temperature of 65-70°F (18-21°C)
  • Germination can take 2-4 weeks

Transplanting & Growth

• Once seedlings have 2-3 sets of true leaves, transplant them outdoors after the last frost
• Space plants 18-24 inches apart to ensure proper air circulation and room to grow

Maintenance & Care

• Watering: Water regularly during the growing season, but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
• Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer in the spring to support growth, especially for plants grown in poorer soil
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms and to maintain the plant’s appearance
• Winter Care: Mulch around the base in colder regions to protect the plant’s roots during winter

Ideal For

• Garden borders and prairies, adding color and texture to your landscape
• Pollinator gardens, attracting a variety of beneficial insects and birds
• Low-maintenance landscapes, thriving with minimal care
• Drought-tolerant gardening, perfect for areas with limited water

Add the vibrant tomato-orange blooms of Tomato Soup Echinacea to your garden. Order your seeds today!