How to Grow Heliotrope

Heliotropium arborescens Germination Information

Heliotropium arborescens is the botanical name for Heliotrope
Heliotropium arborescens Seed Germination How to Sow Heliotropium arborescens:
  • Sow seeds indoors at a temperature of 68-70° and with NO cover as light aids in germination
  • Sow at 60-70° with NO cover as light aids in germination
  • Expect germination in 15-20 days
  • It is not recommended to sow these seeds outdoors

How to Grow Heliotropium arborescens:
Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves

Spacing: Space seedlings 10 inches apart in full sun

Soil: Site in a fertile, moist, well-drained soil and feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer

Additional Care: Pinch to promote a compact habit

Appearance and Use:

This showy, flowering plant is grown as an annual in borders, container displays, and as a perennial in conservatory culture. It grows 11/2- 4 feet tall by 1- 11/2 feet wide, but will remain smaller in containers. The tiny, tubular, deep lavender-blue flowers are borne in 3-4 inch cymes in the summer. They are redolent of vanilla and are very appealing to butterflies. The 3- inch-long, medium to dark green leaves are wrinkled and roughly hairy. Contact with them may cause a mild skin irritation


About Heliotropium:
Pronunciation:  he-le-o-tro’-pe-um ar-bor-es’ens
Lifecycle:  Annual*
Origination: Boraginaceae, native to Peru Common Name: Heliotrope

*Grown as an annual, but will overwinter in Zone 11