Helenium puberulum ‘Autumn Lollipop’ seeds- ( Helen’s Flower, Rosilla)

Description

Picture thanks to Thompson and Morgan https://www.thompson-morgan.com

This plant has curious ball shaped heads in brown colours with a small yellow skirt of petals. It makes a decorative plant in the garden and is loved as a cut flower and is also prized for its drying abilities. It makes a good  container plant. The flower heads are extremely attractive to bees and butterflies, and golfinches which love the seed. Plant in full sun to light shade , and in soil which gets regular moisture such as stream seeps , but it will also tolerate some drought.

Sowing advice
Plant in autumn and spring.
Sow onto the surface of moist well-drained seed raising mix in pots or trays. Just sprinkle finely with soil, as light is required for germination. Propagate at 18-20°C. Germination takes 14-21 days but can be erratic. If germination does not occur, cover the pot with a plastic bag and put in the fridge or (place outside if your temperatures are at about 4 deg 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 plant out once danger of frost has passed with 50cm spacing. Autumn sowings can be overwintered in a sheltered position under glass and planted out the following spring.