How to Germinate Heliopsis Scabra Seeds

With its yellow daisy-like flowers, Heliopsis helianthoides 'scabra' gives a bright touch of color to any perennial garden. Known commonly as false sunflower or smooth oxeye, H. helanthoides is native to North America; H. helianthoides 'scabra' is a cultivar developed for gardens. Heliopsis grows in poor soils, tolerates drought and does best in partially shaded areas of the yard. Mature plants form clumps that grow to an average of 3 feet tall. Throughout the summer, Heliopsis produces 2- to 4-inch wide blooms. If you want to try growing Heliopsis 'scabra' in your garden, begin by germinating the seeds in spring.

Things You'll Need

3-inch nursery pots or seed-starting tray
Potting soil
Heliopsis helianthoides 'scabra' seeds

Seed-starting heat mat (optional)
Spray bottle
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Fill your nursery pots or seed-starting tray with potting soil. Leave 1 inch of empty space from the top edge of the pots or tray to the soil line.
- 2
  Plant your seeds in March or April. If using pots, place three or four seeds in the center of each pot. If using trays, plant two seeds every 2 inches with 2 inches of space in between each row. Cover the seeds with 1/2-inch of potting soil.
- 3
  Place the tray or pots in a warm room. If you don't have an area of your home that consistently stays 65 degrees or warmer, place the pots or tray on a heat mat intended for starting seeds. Use the heat mat as needed to keep the soil warm. The seeds will sprout most reliably if the soil remains between 60 and 75 degrees.
- 4
  Fill the spray bottle with water. Spray the soil until it is thoroughly moistened. Until the seeds germinate, keep the soil moist but not wet until the seeds sprout. Use room temperature water, not cold or hot water.
- 5
  Move your seedlings to a bright room once they sprout. It should take between 10 to 14 days for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings have developed three sets of leaves, thin the seedlings to one plant per pot or one plant every two inches in your tray.

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