Heliotrope Growing Guide

Heliotropium arborescens

Heliotrope

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil that holds moisture well.

Position

Full sun with partial afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

None. Heliotrope cannot tolerate cold temperatures.

Feeding

Mulch the soil with compost prior to planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid plant food to stimulate new growth.

Companions

As one of the most fragrant annuals you can grow, find locations close to outdoor activity areas for heliotrope. Upright nicotiana makes an excellent companion plant with strong evening fragrance.

Spacing

Single Plants: 7" (20cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7" (20cm) with 7" (20cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow seeds in warm, moist seed starting mix, or start with purchased plants. Seedlings are very slow-growing, so most gardeners buy plants in spring, many of which are grown from rooted cuttings.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Heliotrope develops lush, dark green foliage topped by fragrant flower clusters that may be purple, lavender or white, depending on variety. To grow bushy plants, it is important to pinch back the seedlings when they are young.

Harvesting

Snip off spent blossoms to keep plants looking neat, and to prolong flowering.

Troubleshooting

Heliotrope does not do well in very hot, humid weather. It grows best in climates with cool nights. Warning: Heliotrope is poisonous to pets and grazing animals. Grow heliotrope only in hanging baskets if you have curious pets.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Heliotrope