You can definitely dig up echinacea plants and replant them in a new location. Echinacea is known for its durability and ability to transplant easily, making it a great choice for gardeners who want to move their plants around.
When digging up echinacea, it’s important to try and get as much of the root system and soil as possible. This will help minimize transplant shock and give the plant the best chance of thriving in its new location. I recommend using a garden fork or spade to carefully loosen the soil around the plant, taking care not to damage the roots. Gently lift the plant out of the ground, keeping the root ball intact.
Before you start digging up your echinacea, make sure you have a new location prepared for it. Choose a spot that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-draining soil. Echinacea plants prefer soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, so if your soil is too acidic or alkaline, you may need to amend it before replanting.
Transplanting echinacea is best done on a cool, overcast day. This helps reduce stress on the plant and allows it to adjust to its new surroundings more easily. However, if a cloudy day is not possible, early morning is the next best time to transplant. Avoid transplanting in the heat of the day when the sun is at its strongest, as this can increase the risk of transplant shock.
Once you have dug up your echinacea and transported it to its new location, it’s important to plant it as soon as possible. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant and place the echinacea in the hole, making sure it sits at the same level it was previously planted. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots to remove any air pockets.
After planting, water the echinacea thoroughly to help settle the soil and provide moisture for the roots. It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist for the first few weeks after transplanting to help the plant establish itself. Once the echinacea is established, it is relatively drought-tolerant and only needs to be watered during dry periods.
Echinacea can be successfully dug up and replanted. Take care to dig up as much of the root system and soil as possible, and have a new location prepared beforehand. Choose a cool, overcast day for transplanting if possible, or transplant in the early morning. Water the plant thoroughly after replanting and keep the soil consistently moist until the echinacea is established. With proper care, your transplanted echinacea should thrive in its new location.
