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When to Plant Echinacea in Wayne County, TN

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

Wayne County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.

At an elevation of 1,680 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Echinacea during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Echinacea root diseases.

Wayne County, TN (Zone 7a) Long season
200 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
200 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Wayne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Echinacea

Echinacea 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 Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 4.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 4.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 5.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.8" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.8" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 4.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 3.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Wayne County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Echinacea Planting Timeline โ€” Wayne County, TN

Echinacea Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 โ€“ Apr 30
Harvest August 20 Aug 20 โ€“ Nov 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

120โ€“180 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

200 days in Wayne County

Growing Tips for Wayne 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Echinacea in Wayne County, TN?

Wayne County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Echinacea planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wayne County, TN?

Wayne County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 26.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wayne County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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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 Wayne County, TN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.