Heliotrope (Heliotropium Arborescens Extra dwarf Marine) - Heliotrope seeds produce a richly colored plant with both foliage and blooms that nicely contrast each other. The blooms are not only lovely, but they also have a spectacular vanilla scent! This Heliotropium Arborescens Marine Heliotrope has a compact form with broadly oval to lance-shaped, textured leaves tinged with purple. In summer, it bears a profusion of fragrant deep violet-blue flower heads up to 6 inches across. Heliotrope is a cottage garden favorite, and through the years has been called Turnsole Plant, Cherry Pie Plant, Common Heliotrope and Fragrant Heliotrope. Whatever name you call it, it is a delight to grow!

SOWING
Season: PERENNIAL
Height: 25cm (10 inches)
Bloom Season: Summer and fall
Bloom Color: Blue
Environment: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, pH 6.6 – 7.3
Temperature: 18-20C (60 - 65F)
Average Germ Time: 16 -21 days
Light Required: No
Depth: 0.60mm (1/4 inch)
Sowing Rate: 3 - 4 seeds per plant
Moisture: Keep seed moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 30 cm (12 inches)

Heliotrope plants are a perennial in warmer climates but grown as an annual where it is not hardy. Its rich foliage and profuse blooms make it a great choice for summer bedding, containers or window boxes. A strong scent of vanilla floats through the garden, especially on summer evenings, making this tender perennial an excellent choice for containers or edgings in sunny borders. Bees and butterflies like the scent as well and visit Heliotrope flowers often!

Sow Heliotrope seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost. Use rich potting mix and keep the flower seeds moist until germination. When transplanting to the garden or larger containers, pinch back tops of young Heliotrope plants to encourage branching. Deadhead spent blooms throughout season to encourage flowering. Remove plants after frost.