How to Grow Heliotrope
Heliotropium arborescens
Heliotrope is a half-hardy annual prized for its intensely fragrant purple flower clusters that smell of vanilla and cherry pie. Sow indoors in early spring at 20-25°C, surface-sow as seeds need light. Plant out after last frost in full sun and fertile, moist soil. Pinch tips for bushiness. Feed fortnightly and deadhead to prolong the display. Excellent in containers and borders where you can enjoy the scent up close.
When to Start
Sow indoors 8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 15°C.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Balanced liquid feed every two weeks from planting out until autumn. Container plants benefit from weekly feeding.
- Intensely fragrant flowers with a vanilla-cherry scent. Excellent for containers, borders, and attracting pollinators. Frost-tender — treat as annual in most climates.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 15°C+
- Germination temperature
- 20–25°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
Want your full season plan with reminders? Try Leaftide free
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 35 cm |
| Sow depth | 0 cm |
| Mature height | 45 cm |
| Mature spread | 35 cm |
Space 30 cm apart for bedding displays. Can be planted closer in containers for a fuller effect.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 15°C |
| Germination temperature | 20–25°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 11h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Heliotrope?
- Plant Heliotrope 30cm apart with 35cm between rows.
- When does Heliotrope flower?
- Heliotrope typically flowers approximately 70 days after transplanting.
- Is Heliotrope frost hardy?
- Heliotrope is classified as Half Hardy.
