Cultivation

Suitability of Echinacea for cut flowers

Echinacea Moench.

The suitability of Echinacea for cut flowers is determined by the inflorescence development stage and stem morphological parameters, requiring the selection of tall varieties and strict control of the bud opening stage.

In the reference 43 varieties crop Coneflower, where this is mentioned in the description.

To obtain high-quality cut flowers, Echinacea is harvested when the ray florets are fully colored but have not yet drooped, and the central cone remains firm and relatively flat. The appearance of pollen on the cone indicates over-maturity, which reduces the vase life of the flower. The optimal time for the procedure is the early morning hours, when the plant is maximally saturated with moisture.

When selecting material for production, preference is given to tall varieties, as short-stature forms do not provide sufficient peduncle length. To increase stem strength and length, early removal of the central bud is practiced. In addition to the flowering period, Echinacea is in demand in floristry during the seed maturation phase, when firm, cone-shaped heads are used as textural elements in arrangements.

General information about the subject — on the page Suitability for cutting.

Sources6

Varieties of Coneflower mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.