Heliotrope has a lot of flower characteristics that make it a perfect annual for both containers and in the garden. It has clusters of old-fashioned purple-blue blooms, a sweet, almost vanilla-like scent, and Heliotrope is deer tolerant.
FAVOURITE VARIETIES AND SOURCES
There are not a lot of choices when it comes to seed propagation. For the home gardener, the most common, and often only, seed you will find is Marine. Ball Seed company has a white heliotrope, but seeds are only available to commercial growers.
Swallowtail Garden Seeds
- Marine
| Hardiness | Not frost tolerant |
| Exposure | Full sun, part shade* |
| Deer resistant | Deer and rabbit-resistant |
| Bloom time & length | Late spring to late summer |
| Deadheading | Cut spent blooms |
| Water/soil | Rich, moist soil, good drainage |
| Height | 18-24 inches |
| Width | 12 inches |
| Fertilizer | Heavy feeders use bloom fertilizer |
My own notes: In shade* the plants tend to flop and can get powdery mildew. Better to plant in full sun.
SEED STARTING
Heliotropes are not easy to germinate. They can take 3 to 4 weeks to germinate. They need consistent moisture, but seeds can easily rot, as can small seedlings. In my first year, I ended up with only 3 seedlings from 20 or so seeds.
- start seeds 12 weeks before last frost date (Feb 25)
- barely cover seed, needs some light to germinate
- water with a fine mist
- 70-80°F (21-27°C) to germinate in 14-20 days
- use a heat mat and warm water
GROWING CONDITIONS
- seedlings are also slow-growing
- plants can grow cooler 60°F / 16°C to prevent soft growth
- try growing under lights to help manage growth rate
- larger plants can drop to 50°F at night
- grow in 4-5 in/10-13 cm pots.