When to Plant Echinacea in Refugio County, TX
Echinacea (purple coneflower) is a native prairie perennial valued for its immune-supporting properties and beautiful daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators.
Refugio County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 16 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 293 days.
At an elevation of 1,000 feet, Refugio County receives approximately 68.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Echinacea may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Echinacea root diseases.
Refugio County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.2
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.
Soil Compatibility in Refugio County
How your county's soil matches Echinacea's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.2) overlaps with Echinacea's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Refugio County is excellent for Echinacea — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). Annual compost additions will help Echinacea.
How to Plant Echinacea
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Echinacea
Echinacea needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Echinacea Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 11.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Refugio County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Echinacea Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Echinacea Planting Timeline — Refugio County, TX
Echinacea Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Oct 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
293 days in Refugio County
Growing Tips for Echinacea in Refugio County
Direct sow Echinacea outdoors after February 16 in Refugio County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in Refugio County, provide afternoon shade for Echinacea and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Echinacea in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Echinacea in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Echinacea in Refugio County, TX?
Refugio County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 16. Plan your Echinacea planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Refugio County, TX?
Refugio County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 16 and first fall frost is December 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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