Bright green leaves surround cluster of tiny purple blossoms.

How To Grow Heliotrope Seeds

Updated on Nov 19, 2021
By Shannon McCabe

Latin name Heliotropium arborescens is a temperate perennial that is grown as an annual as it cannot handle frost. Flowers are beloved for their intoxicating, vanilla-like fragrance. Attractive to butterflies. Popular bedding or container plant.


HISTORY

Native to the mountainous tropical regions of Peru. This once-popular cottage garden flower fell out of favor and is slowly coming back into the landscape as a sweetly scented pop of purple color.

USES

  • Ornamental.
  • Beds, borders, containers, window boxes, cottage garden, fragrant/sensory gardens.
  • NOTE: All parts of the plant are poisonous.

Person in purple linen jacket with brown vertical stripes holds a bouquet of sprays of tiny purple blossoms and green leavesPerson in purple linen jacket with brown vertical stripes holds a bouquet of sprays of tiny purple blossoms and green leaves

  • Seeds germinate in 28-42 days.
  • Start indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost date, then transplant out after all danger of frost has passed and soil has reliably warmed to 60 F.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 70-75 F.
Clump of tiny purple blossoms and green leaves on a weathered pale green surfaceClump of tiny purple blossoms and green leaves on a weathered pale green surface

  • Plants grow best in full sun to part shade, especially when they are protected from the hot afternoon sun.
  • Plants require rich, loamy, well-drained soil and consistent moisture, as they are not drought tolerant.
  • Space plants 12 inches apart.
  • Keep flowers deadheaded.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • When grown indoors, heliotrope can have issues with spider mites, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.
  • If grown in excessively hot, humid conditions, heliotrope may suffer from fungal disease.
  • Where winters are mild, therefore, it should be grown as a winter flower.
  • NOTE: They cannot tolerate frost.
Close image of cluster of tiny purple blossoms with drops of dew clinging to the petals against green leaves in backgroundClose image of cluster of tiny purple blossoms with drops of dew clinging to the petals against green leaves in background

  • Most gardeners will root cuttings and grow over winter to get a jump start on spring. You can save seeds.
  • Allow the flowerhead containing the seeds to mature completely and dry on the plant, then clip it off and place it in a container.
  • Working over the top of another clean, opened container, rub the flowerheads between the palms, breaking them apart.
  • The seeds can be separated from the chaff by first screening and then winnowing.
  • Store in a cool, dry, dark place over winter.
Bright green leaves surround cluster of tiny purple glossomsBright green leaves surround cluster of tiny purple glossoms