How to grow Heliotrope

Heliotropium

Grown from seed Heliotrope will flower later in the same season. Pinch off faded flowers to encourage more to form. will flower late into autumn until the frost.

Mature plants can be lifted and over wintered under protection of fresh plants started from seed again in the early spring

Heliotrope can also be grown as a house plant in a cool conservatory

Growing Heliotrope from seed

Start seeds under protection sow thinly in a 7cm pot or module in very early spring. Once germinated pot on when just large enough to handle into individual pots and grow on under protection

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 0.78 inches (2.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.04 inches (0.1 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 15°C / 59°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Heliotrope about 77 days before your last frost date .

Transplanting Heliotrope

Pot on as necessary and plant out only after all danger of frost has past in mid summer. Choose a sunny well drained spot at the front of a border or path edge. Heliotrope is also good in pots and containers

Ensure that temperatures are mild (minimum night temperatures should be around 5°C / 41°F) and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Heliotrope is a tender plant.

Harvesting Heliotrope

Can be used as cut flowers

Seed Saving Heliotrope

After flowers have faded, cut the ripening seed heads into a paper bag. Continue to dry on a warm windowsill until the seeds can be shaken from the seed heads.

How long does Heliotrope take to grow?

These estimates for how long Heliotrope takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Heliotrope to germinate?
8 days

Average 8 days | Min 4 days | Max 31 days (8)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Heliotrope?
+ 71 days

Average 71 days | Min 71 days | Max 71 days (1)

Days to Maturity How long until Heliotrope is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ days

Average days | Min days | Max days (0)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Heliotrope?
= days

When should I plant Heliotrope?

Our when to plant Heliotrope estimates are relative to your last frost date.

When to sow The number of days to sow Heliotrope before or after your last frost date.
77 days before Last Frost Date

Heliotrope Folklore & Trivia

Grown as a houseplant by the Victorians but now used mainly as annual bedding

Other names for Heliotrope

Heliotropium, Apple Pie

Heliotropium L.

Footnotes


< Previous Plant Guide

Couch Grass

Next Plant Guide >

Love In A Mist