We just went to a local nature center where I saw some giant coneflowers. I had never heard of them before. They were at least 6-7 feet tall. Has anyone ever grown these before? I did a quick search online and didn't see anywhere to buy seeds or plants. I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with them. I wasn't sure how much care they required or when would be the best time to plant them.

Thanks!

If they're anything like the ordinary Rudbeckias growing where I am, they thrive in full sun, heat, & dry soil that isn't necessarily rich in nutrients.

I checked Hazzard's Seeds' website and they do offer them. You might also check Swallowtail Garden Seeds. I offer those seed-source suggestions merely because I've had good experiences with both.

If you grow them from seed via winter sowing, it's generally a good idea to sow the seeds in spring since (according to my notes) the seeds don't need a cold period in order to germinate. If you don't want to go that route, you might check your local nurseries when Spring rolls around altho' I can honestly say I've never seen them for sale where I am, I'm guessing because my growing season is much shorter than where you are. I have no experience with open sowing them in the ground.

Best of luck to you!

However, Echinacea is generally called 'Echinacea' (!) here and Rudbeckias are occasionally called cone flowers, so I was thinking along those lines anyway. The seed is available from the place I linked to also.