Heliotrope Seeds

Heliotropium convolvulaceum, better known as heliotrope, is one of the popular garden flower with over 220 recognized species. The name is Greek generated "helios" used for sun and "tropein" used for turn. This is because the plant has a unique habit of facing itself towards the sun, similar to sunflowers, as the day keeps progressing. South American old-fashioned perennial shrub was first introduced in Europe in the 1700s and was once called "Cherry pie" plant. During early mornings and evenings, it emits a beautiful fragrance of vanilla-cinnamon mixed together. The plant blooms gorgeous blue, purple or white flowers annually. So, the best time to plant these seeds in your location approximately 12 weeks before the last frost is expected. You will have to plant them indoors first and when spring arrives, the seedlings will be ready to get shifted outdoors.

Planting White Heliotrope Seeds

Usually, heliotropes grow about 1 to 2 feet in height and have bunches of sweet-scented flowers. The dark green leaves are nestled in with the blossoms. Before we get to the instructions on how to grow a heliotrope from seed, collect the following materials for the job.

Materials Needed

• Heliotrope seeds
• Potting mix, for seed starting
• Fluorescent lights
• Small planting containers
• Granular time-release fertilizer
• Divided seedling tray
• Spray bottle
• Scissors and spoon
• Protective cover

Step #1: Pour the potting mix into the divided seedling tray for starting seeds. Use the spray bottle to turn the potting mix moist. The mix will settle as it gets watered, so add more potting mix to bring the level up till the top of the tray.

Step #2: Now plant only 3 or 4 seeds in the divided trays. The seeds will be very tiny, so make sure you scatter them on each divided tray properly. Once the seeds are planted, cover them with a thin layer of the potting mix.

Step #3: Place the seedling tray in an area where the temperature will be warm. But make sure it's not under the direct sunlight, keep in indirect light. If you want, you can use the fluorescent lights to provide the needed supplement. Along with avoiding direct sunlight, steer clear of heating vents, air conditioners, and cold drafts.

Step #4: Keep spraying the soil (always with the spray bottle) as much as needed to keep it moist consistently. But keep in mind, you want the soil moist and not soaking wet. If you make this error, the seedlings will start to rot and not grow properly.

Step #5: You will have to keep a watch for the seedlings to sprout. As they do, take a pair of scissors and cut the weakest seedlings off. You should only leave one seedling which is the strongest. Try not to yank them out as it might destroy the root system of the seedlings (including the seedling you wish to save).

Step #6: Transfer the seedlings into the individual planting containers you purchased once they outgrow the divided trays. If you wish, you can also use Styrofoam or paper cups with a hole underneath it to transfer the seedlings.

Step #7: Once there is no danger of frost, you can plant the heliotrope seedlings outside in the spring. Choose a spot which gets constant sunlight all day. Use the protective covering made entirely of organic mulch on the top of the soil. The mulch will enrich it and improve the drainage.

Step #8: Spoon the seedlings out of the containers very carefully, so that you don't damage its root system. Plant them, water them a little bit immediately afterwards, and keep the soil moist consistently.

To ensure you have successfully transferred a bunch of seeds into gorgeous plants, scatter the time-release fertilizer around it every 6 weeks. Make sure you have read the manufacturer's instructions properly and then utilized it. See how easy that was!