How to Plant Coneflower Bulbs

Coneflowers are tall flowers that resemble daisies. They can be grown from seeds or transplanted as growing plants from your local nursery. Coneflower seeds grow into a bulb-like structures called rhizomes. While rhizomes are commonly referred to as bulbs and even sold as bulbs, they are not true bulbs, scientifically. However, no matter what you choose to call them, coneflower bulbs should be planted in the spring.

Coneflower Plant Bloom?

There are three main nutrients that plants require: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The most important for setting blooms is phosphorus. Bloom-boosting fertilizers contain higher levels of phosphorus, a 15-30-15 ratio for example. A typical water-soluble fertilizer can be mixed 1 tablespoon to 1 gallon of water and applied to the plants every seven to 14 days during the summer bloom season. Coneflowers will endure heat, drought and poor soil. However, they do not like too much water. Soil for coneflowers should be well-drained and deep to accommodate their long tap-roots. Otherwise, the plants will fail to thrive and bloom. However, certain cultivars like Pica Bella (Echinacea purpurea "Pica Bella," USDA zones 5 through 9) need weekly watering. All cultivars and species should be grown in full sun. Coneflowers should never be planted in full shade, which will stunt plant growth, reduce the chance of flowers and possibly kill the plant. They can be left in place for many years without becoming crowded.