Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil that holds moisture well.
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Position
Full sun with partial afternoon shade.
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Frost tolerant
None. Heliotrope cannot tolerate cold temperatures.
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Feeding
Mix a standard application of a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil prior to planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid plant food to stimulate new growth.
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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.
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Spacing
Single Plants: 20cm (7") each way (minimum)
Rows: 20cm (7") with 20cm (7") row gap (minimum)
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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 Planning Tool can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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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.
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Harvesting
Snip off spent blossoms to keep plants looking neat, and to prolong flowering.
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Troubleshooting
Heliotrope does not do well in very hot, humid weather. It grows best in areas with cool nights. Warning: Heliotrope is poisonous to pets and grazing animals. Grow heliotrope only in hanging baskets if you have curious pets.
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