Heliotrope Seeds (Heliotropium arborescens)

Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.
In 1786, as he was serving as Minister to France, Thomas Jefferson sent a collection of seeds and plants home to friends, including the lovely purple-flowering Heliotrope: "To be sowed in spring. A delicious flower . . . the smell rewards the care." This is the species, or wild form, of heliotrope identical to the one Jefferson knew in the 18th century. Native to Peru, Heliotrope is a tender perennial often grown as an annual; it can also be removed from the garden and grown as a houseplant during the winter months. Jefferson-documented: This plant was documented by Thomas Jefferson in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, or other writings.

Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date at 70 degrees F. Transplant to 3" pots once they have several true leaves, then harden off and plant outdoors in well-drained soil after last frost. Approximately 70-75 seeds per packet.