When to Plant Echinacea in St. Mary's County, MD
Echinacea (purple coneflower) is a native prairie perennial valued for its immune-supporting properties and beautiful daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators.
St. Mary's County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.
At an elevation of 156 feet, St. Mary's County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Echinacea during the growing season.
St. Mary's County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.9
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 — St. Mary's County, MD
Echinacea Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | August 16 | Aug 16 – Nov 22 |
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 7a
Growing Season
213 days
Growing Tips for St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's County, MD?
St. Mary's County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Echinacea planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Mary's County, MD?
St. Mary's County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is November 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help St. Mary's County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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