this link should have the information you need.

http://www.gardenguides.com/499-coneflower-echinacea-purpurea-garden-basics-flower-perennial.html

I tell ya I use to have the hardest time trying to start anything from seed. I hated to spend money on the little green houses or even all of that material that they recommend seed starting. I mean heck I prefered seed cause they are a heck of a lot cheaper. Well I had some success in direct sowing but I usually never watered it enough and in my southern heat that is not a good thing for seedlings. So I went on a searching quest and I found this forum. Well then I found the winter sowing forum. Wow, now that was right up my ally. Planting devices made from recycleables. Talk about economic!! I did not winter sow this past year but this coming January I plan to. I did though use some of the techniques for winter sowing. I started my plants outside. No hardening off which that always confused me. Here is my growing area that cost me nothing that I used this spring. I put holes in the bottom of the bottles and I watered by putting water in the pan. Yes it was that easy!! Same technique is used for winter sowing, just take off the lids and tape up your bottles. No need to make room in your windowsill or go buy those expensive seed trays or the indoor lights.


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Here is just one of the plants that was grown in my "economic" growing area. This is in the top row 2nd container from the right hand side.


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Coneflower is extremely easy to start as a matter of fact here is some that I started just in a pot within a pot. Cover them lightly with soil and water, and wait. Some echinacea take up to 3 weeks to germinate. In the picture is Tennessee Coneflower. Yes there are other plants in that pot, just look over those, lol.


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Another vote for Winter Sowing.
Here's the link to Winter Sowing FAQ.
Have fun!
I have been winter sowing for at least 6 years. I have never regretted stumbling into this forum. It is a fun, inexpensive and easy way to sow seeds and very successful at that.
The folks there are the most helpful, friendliest and kindest people around.