Echinacea - Dreamcoat This is the first coloured mixture that can be raised from seed. These beautiful blooms have a raised central cone surrounded by rays of coloured petals. The combination of colours is an instant head turner. This hardy perennial reaches the height of 120cm. Sow thinly indoors, from February to April, 1.5cm deep, in a tray of compost. Water well and place in a cold frame, unheated greenhouse, or on a warm kitchen windowsill. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 14-28 days. Transplant individually, when large enough to handle, to 7.5cm pots. Always hold seedlings by a leaf, never by the stem. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions, avoiding frosts, before planting out into well-drained soil, from May to July, spacing 40cm apart. Flowers from July to September.
