When to Plant Echinacea (Coneflower) in Houston, Texas (77071)

Location

Houston, Texas

ZIP Code

77071

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Transplant Outdoors

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Based on last frost Tuesday, February 10, 2026 · Zone 9b

Pro tip: Start Echinacea (Coneflower) seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

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🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Echinacea purpurea

Days to Maturity 365 days

Mature Height 24-48"

Spread 24"

Type Perennial

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Low (drought tolerant once established)

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 14-21 days

Ready to Plant Echinacea (Coneflower) in Houston?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

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🤝 Good Companions

Black-eyed SusanLavenderSage

🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Echinacea (Coneflower)

See which plants help Echinacea (Coneflower) thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🌍 Flower Garden Soil ✂️ Pruning Shears 🚿 Watering Can

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy

✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow seed heads to dry fully on the plant through fall. Leave for birds or harvest before winter.

Processing

Wear gloves — seed heads are spiky. Rub seeds out with gloved hands, spread to dry 1 week.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Cold-stratify seeds for 4–8 weeks to significantly improve germination rates.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Echinacea (Coneflower). See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Echinacea (Coneflower) in Houston, Texas? +

In Houston (Zone 9b), start Echinacea (Coneflower) seeds indoors around Tuesday, December 2, 2025 and transplant outdoors around Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Houston, Texas? +

The average last spring frost date for Houston, Texas (ZIP 77071) is around Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9b.

How long does Echinacea (Coneflower) take to grow? +

Echinacea (Coneflower) typically matures in about 365 days from transplanting. In Houston, that means you can expect harvest around Tuesday, February 24, 2026 plus 365 days.

Should I start Echinacea (Coneflower) indoors or direct sow in Texas? +

Echinacea (Coneflower) should be started indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. In Houston, that means starting around Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

📚 More Echinacea (Coneflower) Planting Guides

🗺️

Echinacea (Coneflower) in Texas

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 9b Echinacea (Coneflower) Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Echinacea (Coneflower) in Zone 9b

Echinacea (Coneflower) (Echinacea purpurea) is a popular garden vegetable. In Houston, Texas, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, you should start seeds indoors around Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Plan to transplant your Echinacea (Coneflower) seedlings outdoors around Tuesday, February 24, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.