Description
Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.
In 1786, as he was serving as Minister to France, Thomas Jefferson sent a collection of seeds and plants home to friends, including the lovely purple-flowering Heliotrope: "To be sowed in spring. A delicious flower . . . the smell rewards the care." This is the species, or wild form, of heliotrope identical to the one Jefferson knew in the 18th century. Native to Peru, Heliotrope is a tender perennial often grown as an annual; it can also be removed from the garden and grown as a houseplant during the winter months. Jefferson-documented: This plant was documented by Thomas Jefferson in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, or other writings.
Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date at 70 degrees F. Transplant to 3" pots once they have several true leaves, then harden off and plant outdoors in well-drained soil after last frost. Approximately 70-75 seeds per packet.
| Exposure | Planting Method | Planting Depth | Days to Emerge | Plant Spacing | Size at Maturity | Zones |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sun to Light Shade | Transplant | 1/4" | 7-30 | 1.5' apart | 3-4'H | 10-11 |
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