When to plant Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) in Moffat County, CO
In Moffat County, Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) is a spring-only crop. Plant June 21–July 12 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) in Moffat County, CO
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) is a long-lived native prairie perennial and one of the most valuable pollinator plants in North American gardens. Its distinctive daisy-like blooms — swept-back lavender-pink petals surrounding a spiny orange-brown cone — attract bees, butterflies, and goldfinches from summer into fall. Drought-tolerant once established, adaptable to average soils, and impressively long-lived; mature clumps bloom reliably for decades.
Moffat County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and the first fall frost is September 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 99 days.
At an elevation of 6,597 feet, Moffat County receives approximately 12.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Moffat County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Echinacea (Purple Coneflower)
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Moffat County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) Planting Timeline — Moffat County, CO
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 21 | Jun 21 – Jul 5 |
| Direct Sow | June 21 | Jun 21 – Jul 12 |
| Bloom | September 13 | Sep 13 – Dec 13 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | — |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | Bloom |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
99 days in Moffat County
Growing Tips for Moffat County
Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost or direct-sow in fall for natural cold stratification. Seeds require 4–8 weeks of cold moist stratification (or fall sowing) for best germination. Transplant when night temps stay above 50°F. Full sun is essential for heavy bloom. Avoid over-fertilizing — lean soil produces more compact, floriferous plants. Deadhead for continuous bloom but leave some cones standing in fall for goldfinch seed harvest. Year 2+ plants bloom most heavily; first-year transplants may produce limited flowers. Divide congested clumps every 3–4 years in early spring.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) in Moffat County, CO?
Moffat County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 7. Plan your Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Moffat County, CO?
Moffat County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and first fall frost is September 14.
When should I plant Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) in Moffat County, CO?
In Moffat County, CO, plant Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) after the last frost (around June 7) and before the first frost (around September 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Moffat County, CO for Echinacea (Purple Coneflower)?
Moffat County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) grow in Moffat County's climate?
Yes — Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) grows well in Moffat County's temperate climate. Moffat County averages a 99-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 7 and first frost around September 14.
Your Moffat County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Moffat County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.