I found a clump of E. pallida seedlings in my garden, growing off an old flower head which had been buried. Presumably they like to take their time. So I would do a bit of 'deadheading' of someone's Echinaceas (with permission of course!) this autumn and direct sow crumbled up seed heads. I have tried in seed trays in the past but they took too long and I ended up throwing the trays out.
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
Will - that's a great idea. I have bought some E.pallida seed so I will sow direct (and mark it otherwise I am likely to forget and weed it out !! I've done it before)
I've found Echinacea Purpurea germinate very readily given the right conditions. I can't comment on other species as I've only grown purpurea and the white swan variety.
The only thing I do find is they're quite slow growing (painfully so sometimes) and they can be quite wimpy if it gets too cold or wet where I've had a few just wither and die.
I bought Echinacea Pallida seeds from seedaholic I sowed in pots though, they are very easy and high germination rate. Its been quite dry recently so the slugs haven't been out as much but a young Echinacea seedling is cannon fodder for them.
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The only thing I do find is they're quite slow growing (painfully so sometimes) and they can be quite wimpy if it gets too cold or wet where I've had a few just wither and die.
With the benefit of everyone's experience I will try all methods and be hoping for an increase in Echinacea numbers next year.