Re: purple coneflower

Donna-

Hey - If it was me and it was my garden I would wait just a bit longer for 
the seeds to dry/harden.  I've been anxious at times with mine (especially 
when I first had coneflowers) and I harvests my seed much too early - the 
inside was not dry enough so I didn't get the abundance of seed of should 
have and they ended up with mold on them.  Purple coneflower's seed head will 
not "explode" like some plants do so that is not a worry.  As they become 
fully dried they will begin to fall off of the dried flower head slowly. 
(same a rudbeckias)

As far as dividing the plant - with the kind of heat that you are 
experiencing now - I personally would wait.  I'm usually pro move anything, 
anytime, but you are talking about a division while the plant is still 
blooming.  The plant would/could have difficulty bouncing back from a 
transplant and/or division while in bloom and producing seed.  

If you are wanting a full bed of the purple coneflowers - your seeds are the 
key.  They are fairly easy and I find it best to sow in place.  I save my 
dried flower heads in an old jar (as is) and toss them in the spring.  They 
are quick to germinate and bloom, I believe, within 60 days or so of 
germination.

Good luck and put that hat on

Kemberly McLain
Katy, Texas  Zone 9

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