When to plant Echinacea in Stirling

Sow seeds in trays or modules around 10th March - 24th March, using a free-draining seed compost. Keep them at 18–21 °C and only cover the seed lightly, as it needs some light to germinate.

Move seedlings on when the first true leaves appear, from 31st March. Handle them by the leaves, not the stems, and pot them on into individual small pots.

Acclimatise young plants gradually from 17th April - 1st May before planting out. Put them outside in a sheltered spot for a few hours at first, then extend the time each day over about 10 days.

Plant in a sunny, free-draining spot from 1st May at 45 cm apart. Water in thoroughly straight after planting and keep an eye on slugs around fresh growth.

Keep plants evenly moist through 1st May - 3rd July while roots settle. Water at the base in dry spells, but do not leave the soil soggy.

Remove faded flowers from 30th June - 17th October to keep the display going for longer. Cut stems back to a strong pair of leaves and leave a few heads later on if you want seed for birds.

Cut back old stems during 3rd October - 16th November. If you left seed heads for birds, leave those stems standing until late winter, then remove them. Trim the rest down to a little crown of growth at soil level, taking care not to damage new shoots.