Echinacea Experiment in Central Alberta
Answered by: Richard Alan Miller
Question from: Wade Enns
Posted on: August 15, 2001

As an experiment we grew some Echinacea in west central Alberta, and we are in the third year. When should it be harvested and is there anyone that will take it when we do harvest it.

There is good news and bad news regarding your "experiment." The good news is that you grew it in Central Alberta. This crop is known to be habitat sensitive, and Alberta is considered "best growing area" for Canada.

The bad news is that in 2001 the markets are depressed, and look to continue to be so for at least one more year. This means too much inventory, and no one to buy. This is especially true if it is not grown COG.

I act as a broker for COG-grown products - mostly what the market wants right now. When you decide to "gamble," I may help you find a market for your crop. I’m fussy with whom I represent, so I would need a sample before I decide to represent it.

My recommendation is to leave it in the ground one more year. That should eliminate some of the surpluses and make it more attractive (older root) to the buyer. While you may not get more for your root, it will sell first because of its age.

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