Echinacea

Transplanting:

To transplant echinacea to the ground or a larger area, ensure that:

• The hole is made twice as wide as the plant pot, and
• the depth of the hole is such that the top of the soil from the echinacea plant is level with the surface soil of the ground or larger area.
• It is advised not to remove much of the roots from the echinacea when transplanting.
• Ensure that the plant gets lots of water shortly after transplanting to lessen the effects of plant shock.

Light Conditions:

• Full Sun:
  Place echinacea in a location that receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.
• Partial Shade:
  In our climate, echinacea may grow well with 3 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, primarily morning sun.
• Relocate echinacea to an area with more sunlight if you notice floppy stems.
• Relocate echinacea to an area with more shade if leaves are consistently scorched by the sun.

Soil:

• Well-drained soil that can be either poor or average in nutrients.
• Rich or heavily amended soil may produce lots of foliage but not much flowers.

Watering Frequency:

• Water the soil primarily when the soil is dry.
• Echinacea is drought tolerant once established but be sure to check on its watering needs especially in the dry season and shortly after transplanting.

Amendments and Fertiliser:

• Apply well-composted material or fertiliser around the plant if flowers appear small or poorly developed.

Pruning:

• Prune flowers or leaves when they appear to fade or turn brown.
• We recommend that you allow your first plant(s) to go to flowers and seed so that you can set plants to use thereafter on a continuous basis.

People around the world use echinacea to shorten the duration of the common cold and flu, and reduce symptoms, such as sore throat (pharyngitis), cough and fever. Many herbalists also recommend echinacea to help boost the immune system and help the body fight off infections. Echinacea is reputed to treat the following illnesses:

• coughs and colds.
• bronchitis
• upper respiratory infections
• gingivitis
• influenza
• canker sores
• yeast infections
• ear infections
• vaginitis
• some inflammatory conditions
• corona viruses

Chewing roots can aid in alleviating tooth and throat infections.

Apply externally (topically) on wounds, burns and insect bites.

Pollinators include:

• Long-tongued bees
• Butterflies

It is advised that you consult with your physician before taking any herbal medicine.