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When to Plant Echinacea in Uintah County, UT

Echinacea (purple coneflower) is a native prairie perennial valued for its immune-supporting properties and beautiful daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators.

Uintah County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.

At an elevation of 6,372 feet, Uintah County receives approximately 12.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Echinacea during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Echinacea successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Uintah County, UT (Zone 5a) Short season
147 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
147 growing days
First Fall Frost October 4

Uintah County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Sep 12 – Oct 24
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Sep 20 – Nov 1
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 9 🍅 Harvest: Oct 13 – Nov 24

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

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.4″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 451 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Echinacea needs ~2,062 GDD — county provides 2,021 GDD Tight fit

Echinacea Planting Timeline โ€” Uintah County, UT

Echinacea Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 17 May 17 โ€“ May 31
Harvest September 20 Sep 20 โ€“ Nov 1

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

120โ€“180 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5a

Growing Season

147 days

Growing Tips for Uintah 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Echinacea in Uintah County, UT?

Uintah County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Echinacea planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Uintah County, UT?

Uintah County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 4.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Uintah County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Uintah County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.