Seeds of Echinacea angustifolia and pallida require a stratification period (cold treatment) of four to 12 weeks. However, the easiest method to grow Echinacea is to use transplants that can be set out in rich, well-drained soil. Purpurea - rocky open woods and prairies, now grown in southern and northern prairies Planting/TransplantingĮchinacea can be propagated via seed by dividing offshoots of the crowns, or by planting four to five inch sections of the roots. Rocky glacial till lands will contain most of the trace minerals needed.Īugustifolia - dry upland prairies, now grown in southern and northern prairies The land suited to all three of these species have to be well drained in a sunny location. Good soil drainage and frequent, shallow cultivation are necessary to produce more vigorous plants. A high lime content is preferred, however, they will tolerate a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 or greater.
Site Selection And SeedingĮchinacea is best suited for a poor to moderately rich, well-drained soil.
Premiums are usually paid for certified organic product, however, non-certified product accounts for approximately 75 percent of the market. Markets are variable and price is usually determined prior to harvest in the form of a forward contract or a cash price. Agronomic studies are currently being conducted within Manitoba to determine locations best suited for this crop. However, before Echinacea can be grown on a large scale, more information must be made available to the grower. Trends toward alternative medicine and natural healing have increased the interest of growing Echinacea in Canada. Canada is lacking growers and has no large-scale producers. Economics And MarketingĪt present, demand for Echinacea exceeds supply. As an anti-infection agent, Echinacea extracts have also been used as a general immune system enhancer. A native of the eastern and central United States and southern Canada, Echinacea is reported to have been used medicinally by at least 14 Native American tribes for conditions including coughs, colds, sore throats, infections, toothaches, inflammations, tonsillitis and snake bites.Įchinacea is used for helping prevent and treat colds, flu, respiratory ailments, urinary tract infections, and other infections. It has been used for centuries by the Plains First Nations to treat various ailments such as poisonous insect and snake bites, toothaches, mumps, small pox, blood purifier, measles and as a general immune system enhancer. History And UsesĮchinacea is a perennial plant often referred to as purple coneflower, which grows in North America along roadsides, in prairie fields and dry open woods. Droopy purple-pinkish colored petals also surround the disk. Each stem bears one flower, which has a round flower disk about one inch in diameter with spiky purple chaff. angustifolia, although relatively more challenging agronomically, is native to Southern Manitoba and produces a more concentrated active ingredient.Įchinacea angustifolia grows to be between 30-60 cm with a stiff coarsely haired stem. purpurea is the most easily cultivated of the three, however, E. Most Echinacea species have a taproot while E. angustifolia have been shown the most interest. Each of these species can be grown in Manitoba, however, E. These species are Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea pallida. There are nine species of Echinacea in North America, of these only three have been shown to have commercial significance. Echinacea are part of the genus of the Asteraceae family ( Compositae). It's one of North America's most popular herbal products, used to prevent and treat the common cold, influenza and other infectious diseases. Overview of Echinacea Production in ManitobaĮchinacea (pronounced "ek-a-NAY-sha"), the purple coneflower, is well known to gardeners and wildflower enthusiasts.