Helenium hoopsii seeds – (Sneezeweed)

Description

Picture thanks to Jelitto Seeds https://www.jelitto.com

This plant has large  (up to 8cm) rich  yellow or orange, daisy-like blooms with a large central disc. It makes and excellent cut flower

It  flowers from February to March on  a tall, stately plant. It is best placed in the back of a sunny, moist but well-drained border, and is considered to be the most valuable species  in the family.

Heleniums are versatile plants that love plenty of sunshine and moist soil. They rarely suffer from pests or diseases.

Sowing advice.

Sow Spring and early summer and in autumn.

Surface sow indoors onto moist well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a fine sprinkling of soil. Propagate at 18-20°C. Do not exclude light, as light is required for germination. Germination takes 14-21 days but can be erratic. If germination does not occur place in the fridge ( vege compartment is ideal)at  -4-+4°C for 2-4 weeks then return to warmth. Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on in cooler conditions 12-15°C. Acclimatise and plantout once danger of frost has passed with 50cm spacing. Autumn sowings can be overwintered in a cold frame and planted out the following spring.