To multiply coneflowers, there are a few methods you can try. One common method is through division. This involves digging up an established coneflower plant and carefully splitting it into multiple smaller sections, each with its own set of roots and foliage. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Choose the right time: The best time to divide coneflowers is in early spring or late summer/early fall when the weather is cooler. Avoid dividing them during hot summer months or during their blooming period.
2. Prepare the plant: Water the coneflower thoroughly a day or two before dividing it. This will help the plant recover from the shock of being dug up and divided.
3. Dig up the plant: Use a sharp garden spade or shovel to carefully dig around the base of the coneflower, ensuring you dig deep enough to get the entire root system. Gently lift the plant out of the ground, trying to keep as much soil around the roots as possible.
4. Divide the plant: Once the coneflower is out of the ground, gently shake off excess soil to reveal the root system. Look for natural divisions or separate clumps of healthy roots. You can use your hands or a clean, sharp knife to divide the plant into smaller sections. Each section should have at least a few healthy roots and some foliage.
5. Replant the divisions: Dig holes in the desired location for each divided section, making sure the holes are wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots without crowding them. Place each divided section into its respective hole, ensuring the crown of the plant (where the roots meet the foliage) is level with the soil surface. Backfill the holes with soil, gently firming it around the roots.
6. Water and care for the divisions: After planting the divided sections, thoroughly water the soil to help settle it around the roots. Keep the newly planted divisions well-watered for the first few weeks to help them establish. Provide regular watering throughout the growing season, especially during dry spells.
Another method to multiply coneflowers is by collecting and sowing seeds. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Collect seeds: Allow the spent flower heads to dry on the plant. Once they have turned brown and the seeds are fully developed, cut off the flower heads and place them in a paper bag. Hang the bag in a cool, dry place for a few weeks to allow the seeds to fully mature and dry.
2. Prepare the soil: Choose a location with well-draining soil and prepare the area by loosening the soil and removing any weeds or debris. Rake the soil to create a smooth seedbed.
3. Sow the seeds: In early spring or late fall, scatter the seeds over the prepared soil. Lightly press them into the soil surface, but avoid burying them too deeply. Coneflower seeds require light to germinate, so surface sowing is important.
4. Water and care for the seeds: Keep the seeded area consistently moist until the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out if they are overcrowded, leaving about 12-18 inches between each plant. Water regularly and provide some shade or protection from extreme heat until the seedlings are established.
By following these methods, you can multiply your coneflowers and enjoy an expanded garden filled with these beautiful and beneficial plants.
