Helenium (Helenium autumnale) Also known as Autumn Sneezeweed, this species is found as far north as the Northwest Territories all the way south to California and Florida. This striking perennial is a late summer bloomer, providing an important nectar source for late season pollinators such as bees and butterflies. We enjoy blooms here in Nova Scotia until late November. Helenium plants grow up to 32 inches in height, producing a multitude of bright yellow flowers. Dead-head flowers for continual blooms, and keep soil from drying out during the growing season. Helenium flowers are excellent for cutting and respond well in both heat and drought conditions. They are also both rabbit and deer resistant plants! A very showy and hardy perennial to consider growing in a sunny niche of your garden.
50 seeds per packet $4.45
Planting Instructions: Sow helenium seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last spring frost. Press seeds into soil but do not cover since helenium requires light to germinate. Keep temperature near 20°C. Expect germination in 10-20 days. Transplant and space helenium seedlings into the garden 18-24 inches apart in a sunny location. Seeds can also be directly sown in late fall or early spring. (similar to sowing poppy seeds).
