Growing Marine Heliotrope Garden Seeds

For earliest spring blooms, begin Marine heliotrope seeds indoors 10-12 weeks prior to the final frost. Seeds will germinate in 14-21 days in complete darkness and, once germinated, transplant seedlings to a warm sunny place indoors or harden off to an equally warm spot if transplanting outside. Plant 3-4 Marine heliotrope seeds ¼ inches deep and 12 inches apart in moist, Organically rich, and well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Marine heliotrope does not tolerate drought and soil should not be allowed to dry out. Heliotrope is a hardy and vigorous summertime favorite with no serious diseases or susceptibilities. No serious pests but monitor regularly for aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs, particularly if keeping indoors overwinter. Marine heliotrope seeds mature in 84-121 days as 12-18 inch tall bushy uprights with a 12 inch spread of violet-indigo floret clusters.

Heliotropium arborescens, or otherwise simply known as Heliotrope or Garden Heliotrope, is native to the warm seaside climate of Peru. Despite its beauty and alluring fragrance, heliotrope is notorious for its poisonous seeds which are heavily toxic to horses in particular. Other animals will forage on the unpalatable heliotrope if no other food source is available at the risk of liver failure.