By coneflower, I'm guessing you mean echinacea. Let the blossom remain on the plant until seeds mature. Seeds are embedded in the cone. That's when the flower is brown, dry, and dead looking. Cut off the seed head, hold it upside down, and run your finger firmly over the cone. (can feel sharp, you might want to wear gloves). Seeds should fall right out.
To move them in fall, as with your potted plants, some experts suggest giving echinacea time (6 to 8 weeks) to establish before the first hard freeze. I'd get those planted asap.
Karen
