How to Grow Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their germination. Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. Careful watering is essential in getting perennials off to a good start. Water thoroughly at least once a week to help new roots grow down deeply. One inch of rain or watering per week is recommended for most perennial plants. Until plants become established, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be necessary. Good air movement is also important. After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury. “Deadhead”, remove spent flower heads to encourage continuous flowering and prevent seed development.Remove and discard foliage after a hard frost in fall. In colder regions, apply another layer of mulch (1-2 inches) after the ground freezes in fall. Evergreen boughs (from Christmas trees) provide additional protection. Remove this mulch in the spring. Divide perennials when plants become overcrowded, bloom size begins to diminish or plants lose their vigor. Divide Echinacea every 3-4 years. Divide in spring or fall. When plants are dormant in spring or fall, dig clumps from the ground and with a sharp knife or spade, cut into good sized divisions, each with several growing eyes and plenty of roots. Remove any dead or unhealthy plant parts and cut back stems. Replant one division where the plant was originally and plant the extra divisions elsewhere in your garden or give them away to gardening friends. Plant the divisions immediately, or as soon as possible, and water well. TipsMany gardeners do not cut back perennial flower seed heads in the fall, but wait until early spring before the new foliage appears. This provides food for wildlife over the winter.Cut flowers when blooms open. Cones may also be cut for dried arrangements.Echinacea is a terrific plant for the pollinator garden. 🎁SPECIAL OFFERS: Buy More, Get More FREE 🪷 Buy 4, Get 1 Free: Add 5 items to your cart, and the system will automatically deduct the price of 1 item – no coupon code needed! 🪷 Buy 7, Get 2 Free: Add 9 items to your cart, and the system will automatically deduct the price of 2 items – no coupon code needed! 🪷 Buy 12, Get 3 Free: Add 15 items to your cart, and the system will automatically deduct the price of 3 items – no coupon code needed! 🪷 Buy 19, Get 4 Free: Add 23 items to your cart, and the system will automatically deduct the price of 4 items – no coupon code needed! 🪷 Buy 23, Get 5 Free: Add 28 items to your cart, and the system will automatically deduct the price of 5 items – no coupon code needed!
