Coneflower 'Now Cheesier' Echinacea 'Now Cheesier' (PBR)

Water

Coneflowers, like Echinacea 'Now Cheesier', prefer to be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. During the growing season, water the plants once or twice a week, providing about one inch of water each time. This might translate to roughly 0.6 gallons per square foot every week if rainfall isn't sufficient. Always check the soil moisture before watering; it should be dry an inch below the surface before you water again. During the winter, reduce watering as the plant's water needs decrease significantly.

Light

Coneflowers, including Echinacea 'Now Cheesier', thrive in full sunlight. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes healthy growth and optimal blooming. The best spot for Echinacea 'Now Cheesier' is in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight for most of the day.

Temperature

Coneflowers like Echinacea 'Now Cheesier' are hardy and can tolerate a broad range of temperatures. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit but prefer the growing season to be in a temperature range between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand high temperatures as long as they're well-watered, but the ideal range ensures vigorous growth and flowering.

Pruning

Pruning Echinacea 'Now Cheesier' is beneficial to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second bloom in the late summer to early fall. It's best to prune coneflowers back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Overly aggressive pruning isn't necessary; simply cut back dead or damaged stems to maintain plant health and aesthetics.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Coneflower 'Now Cheesier' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand will create a suitable environment. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 8.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Coneflower 'Now Cheesier' typically does not require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting can be done every 3-4 years or as necessary when the plant outgrows its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Coneflower 'Now Cheesier' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity. Average outdoor humidity is typically sufficient for this hardy perennial.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Coneflower 'Now Cheesier' near a sunny window; rotate for even growth.

• Outdoor

  Plant Coneflower 'Now Cheesier' in full sun; water deeply when dry.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Coneflower 'Now Cheesier' begins its life as a seed, often requiring a period of stratification or cold treatment to break dormancy and germinate. Upon germination, the seedling emerges, developing a basic root system and a rosette of leaves by utilizing the nutrient reserves stored in the seed. As the plant matures, it forms a strong, upright stem and a more extensive root system, while foliage becomes more abundant. The vegetative stage is followed by the flowering phase, where it produces distinctive yellow flowers that attract pollinators and can bloom from early summer to fall. Post-pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, which can disperse seeds for reproduction or be collected for propagation. Finally, the plant may enter a period of dormancy during the colder months, retreating to the soil level and relying on its perennial nature to survive the winter before re-emerging in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• The Echinacea 'Now Cheesier', commonly known as the Coneflower, can be propagated through division. Division is the most popular method to propagate this plant and it is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate Echinacea 'Now Cheesier' by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring to keep a large amount of soil around the roots to avoid shock. Then, gently separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure each section has a part of the root system. After division, plant the sections at the same depth they were growing at previously, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them in their new location. It’s important to maintain even moisture and avoid letting the soil dry out completely during the first growing season after division to ensure proper rooting and growth.