When to Plant Echinacea in Mississippi County, AR
Echinacea (purple coneflower) is a native prairie perennial valued for its immune-supporting properties and beautiful daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators.
Mississippi County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
At an elevation of 1,005 feet, Mississippi County receives approximately 53.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Echinacea during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Echinacea root diseases.
Mississippi County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Echinacea Planting Timeline — Mississippi County, AR
Echinacea Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | August 7 | Aug 7 – Nov 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
120–180 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
221 days
Growing Tips for Mississippi County
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost or direct sow in fall for spring germination. Seeds need cold stratification. Deadhead to prolong blooming or leave seed heads for birds.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Echinacea in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Echinacea in Mississippi County, AR?
Mississippi County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Echinacea planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mississippi County, AR?
Mississippi County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Mississippi County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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