How to Grow Echinacea in New Zealand
A hardy perennial coneflower and pollinator magnet with big daisy-like purple-pink blooms. Sow in spring or autumn; it usually flowers from the second year and returns bigger each season. Very drought tolerant once established, and the seed heads feed birds over winter.
When to plant echinacea in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
Best echinacea varieties for NZ
- Magnus — Large deep-pink flowers on strong stems. Holds petals horizontally, not drooping. The standard garden echinacea. (Mr Fothergill's NZ, Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
- White Swan — Pure white flowers. Beautiful contrast with pink varieties. Same tough, drought-tolerant habit. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ)
How to grow echinacea
- Space plants about 40cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 120 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow echinacea near: Lavender, Yarrow, Rudbeckia.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant echinacea in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy echinacea seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Mr Fothergill's NZ, Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds.