When to Plant Echinacea in Alpine County, CA
Echinacea (purple coneflower) is a native prairie perennial valued for its immune-supporting properties and beautiful daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators.
Alpine County, California is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 1,278 feet, Alpine County receives approximately 36.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Echinacea to ensure they mature before fall.
Alpine County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.3
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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Echinacea Planting Timeline — Alpine County, CA
Echinacea Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 9 |
| Harvest | September 29 | Sep 29 – Nov 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
137 days
Growing Tips for Alpine 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 Alpine County, CA?
Alpine County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Echinacea planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alpine County, CA?
Alpine County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is October 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Alpine County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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