Echinacea ‘Piccolino’

The first genetically compact double flowered Echinacea, 'Piccolino' displays fragrant, bright-pink flowers over medium-green foliage. Created through new breeding from the Netherlands' Marco Van Noort, 'Piccolino' grows to a height of 16-18 inches and spreads 12-14 inches.

Plants have an upright habit with stiff, short flowering stems supporting double flowers.

'Piccolino' blooms from mid-June to August and prefers partial sun to full sun. Plants are hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.

Due to this new breeding and the compact habit, echinaceas can now be moved from the back of the perennial border to the front. 'Piccolino' also makes a wonderful container-grown plant in a monoculture container or in a mixed combo.

• 'Use a coarse, well-draining media for best results. Irrigation management is critical following transplanting when using small plugs in larger container sizes.
   
• Echinacea 'Piccolino' can tolerate pH from 5.2-6.8, but 5.8-6.3 is best. Ideal electrical conductivity level is 0.5-1.0.
   
• Plant one 72-cell liner per gallon pot. Finish time for early spring planted plugs is 16-18 weeks. Transplant the crown of the plants at or slightly above the soil line to limit crown and root rot.
   
• After transplanting, provide temperatures of 65-68°F. Establish liners following transplant until the roots reach the sides of the container. Then finish at 60-65°F day and 50-55°F night.
   
• Echinacea 'Piccolino' is an intermediate day plant and prefers 12-plus hours of light to bloom. Normal blooming can be accelerated with interruption or supplemental lighting. Light levels of 3,000 fc or higher will promote strong and active growth.
   
• The best fertilizer is a constant liquid feed of 75-125 ppm of a low ammonium-based formulation.
   
• Echinaceas prefer to be grown rather dry, so watch water levels carefully. Overwatering is the main cause of death. Plan irrigation management to ensure plants have a distinct wet/dry cycle.