Hi, I would love a few seeds of all. I have hot papaya, green envy, white swan, sunset, primadonna. My tomato soup has a bloom that is dying back so can't guarantee it for sure. I also have sunrise in bloom but not sure if it will dye back in time for seeds but will certainly throw those in if you want to wait. Email me if you want to make a deal. Thanks Smitties

My Mac 'n Cheese is a plug size after its first winter. 'Tomato soup' is doing great - looks like a blooming size plant already. It was purchased with Mac 'n Cheese last year (both were plugs). 'Hot Lava' survived. Still tiny. 'Pink Poodle' bloomed for me first year after planting. Overwinted OK. 'Tiki Torch' is finally growing (two years in the garden, never bloomed). Same thing with 'Merinque' and 'Coral Reef'. 'Ruby Star' and 'Coconut Lime' are doing great. No surprise here: they both were gallon size plants at the planting time. 'Hot Papaya', 'Tangerine Dream' did not survive. I just ordered one more 'Hot Papaya'. Will give it one more try.

Is it fragrant? It doesn't look like the plain species so it must be something. : ) There's one called 'Hope' that has light pink flowers. Do you remember what other echinaceas Home Depot had when you were there? I posted a couple weeks ago that one of my Ruby Stars that I ordered this year had one white flower and one dark pink flower. I divided off the stem that had a white flower and replanted it. I didn't expect it to live but it looks ok so far after several days. The white flower on it was definitely "white" not light pink like yours. I think I got two coneflowers for the price of one so I'm not complaining. lol I'm curious whether yours will have all light pink flowers or maybe the rest will be normal. Does it have any more buds?

Oh yes, a few Echinacea are a must in any sunny garden. I would suggest starting with three or so varieties/colours. As for the Big Sky series, I don't think they are a bust, but some people have had bad experiences, while others have had good/acceptable experiences. The key in all cases, is to plant healthy, mature plants in late spring or early summer. I would not recommend 'Double Decker'. A variety like 'Pink Double Delight' is 10X better. And yes, 'Kim Knee High' has been great for most. It is somewhat shorter, and has excellent branching, so puts on quite a show. Good ol' seed strains like 'Magnus', 'Ruby Star' and 'White Swan' are great plants to begin with. They'll self-sow if you let them. I loved 'Tiki Torch' this year (planted last year). I posted pictures earlier this summer.