Inula helenium Seeds, Horse-heal, Elfdock

Inula helenium Seeds: Elfdock Seeds

Key Features & Details Horse-heal

• Sowing: Elecampane seeds are light-dependent germinators. They should be sown on the surface or very shallowly covered to allow light penetration. Sowing can be done in a greenhouse in early spring or directly in the garden around mid-spring. Germination typically occurs at 50°F (10°C) within about two weeks.
• Notes: The flowers attract pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, providing nectar and pollen. Leaving faded stems overwinter can also provide habitat and food for insects and birds.

Botanical Information Elfdock Seeds

• Botanical Name: Inula helenium L.
• Common Names: Horse-heal, Elfdock
• Life Cycle: perennial
• Flower Color: bright yellow
• Flower Time: mid-summer to early fall
• Height: 3 to 6 feet, and sometimes even 6 to 10 feet
• Seed Weight: 4g per 1000 seeds

Characteristics and Usage Inula helenium L.

• Impressive perennial
• Provides a lovely vertical accent
• Striking addition in beds and borders
• Suitable for cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and prairie plantings
• Noted for its bold leaves and yellow daisies
• Good for attracting pollinators
• Roots can yield a blue dye
• Flowers can yield a yellow/orange dye

Growing Conditions Horse-heal

• Sunlight: full sun to partial shade
• Soil: deep, rich, moist, and well-drained soils. While it can tolerate a wide variety of soils, from sandy to clay, it flourishes best in rich loamy, damp but well-drained soil.
• Soil pH: mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline
• Moisture: average water needs and prefers moist soil
• Germination: Light-dependent germinator, sow on the surface or very shallowly covered to allow light penetration for germination within about two weeks. Germination typically occurs at 50°F (10°C).
• Propagation: Seeds can be sown in a greenhouse in early spring or directly in the garden around mid-spring. Once the second set of leaves appears, seedlings can be transplanted. The plant can also be propagated by division in autumn or spring, or from basal softwood cuttings in spring.
• Additional Notes: Hardy to USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7 or 8 and UK zone 5. Grows best in cool summer climates. Plants should be spaced about 2 to 3 feet apart.

Uses and Garden Appeal Elecampane

• Attracts Wildlife: bees and butterflies