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. 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.
Native Distribution: South America
Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date at 70 degrees F. Transplant to 3" pots once they have several true leaves, then harden off and plant outdoors into nutrient rich, moist soil after the last frost. Approximately 70-75 seeds per packet.
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