Autumn Sneezeweed

SKU: FL3830
As a garden perennial it is an easy and dependable late summer bloomer, and an important food source for end-of-the-season pollinators such as bumble bees preparing for over wintering. Read More

Exposure Full-sun

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Autumn Sneezeweed

Product Details

Helenium autumnale. Its native range extends from Northwest Territories to California and Florida. As a garden perennial it is an easy and dependable late summer bloomer, and an important food source for end-of-the-season pollinators such as bumble bees preparing for over wintering. Autumn Sneezeweed seeds produce plants that grow to 130cm (51") tall, each bearing as many as 100 bright yellow flowers in a branched array. Keep spent flowers picked, and don't let the soil dry out completely during the growing season. Helenium looks sensational mixed with the shocking red flowers of Crocosmia. Support unruly stems with twigs stuck into the soil, or with flower support netting.

Perennial.

 

Quick Facts:

    • Perennial
    • Up to 100 flowers on a plant
    • Important pollinator
    • Blooms late summer to fall

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Autumn Sneezeweed

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All About Autumn Sneezeweed

Difficulty

Difficulty
Easy

Season & Zone

Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade, depending on the blend

Timing

Timing
Try to direct sow wildflower seeds during the period two weeks before, and eight weeks after, your last average frost date. Sowing when there is some risk of minor frost may improve germination. Wildflower seeds can also be sown in the autumn, but a certain percentage of seeds to may be lost to water, birds, and animals. To make the most of the annual species, direct sow in early spring.

Starting

Starting
Site Selection: If there are already no plants (including weeds) growing in the planting site, there may be a problem with the soil. Possible issues may be soil fertility, lack of drainage, or the need for soil amendments to improve texture. In such spots (eg, beneath a cedar tree), few plants will thrive, including wildflowers.

Site Preparation

Site Preparation: Remove as much existing vegetation as possible through pulling or tilling under in order to minimize competition. Loosen the soil by scraping, raking, or tilling. Wildflower blends will not usually take if planted into existing lawn because the thatch prevents their contact with soil.

Seed Application

Seed Application: In small areas, seeds can be scattered by hand. In larger areas, you may want to employ a lawn spreader or some other mechanical means. We recommend adding 1-2 parts clean, dry sand to 1 part wildflower seeds which will help the seeds spread evenly. Do not use beach sand, as it usually contains salt. It may be wise to spread most of the seed, but to save some for filling in bald spots at a later date. Seeds must come into contact with the soil in order to germinate. Do not bury seeds more than 2-3 times their thickness.

Planting rates

Planting rates: Aim for a planting density of 70 seeds per square foot. 90g of seeds will cover 1,000 ft². Use 4kg per acre. 500g covers about 5,500 ft². If seeding an area where site preparation and weeding are not possible, double this rate.

Growing

Growing
Keep the seeded area as evenly moist as possible to help the seeds germinate and the young seedlings become established. Weeds need to be kept under control. Once they are growing, most mixes will not require additional water except in long periods of hot, dry weather. All of our mixes should re-grow for several years, but will eventually benefit from re-seeding. In late summer, many of the components will produce seed heads that can be harvested and replanted the following spring.

How to Grow Helenium

Step 1

Timing

Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before planting out in early spring when the soil is cool and light frost is still possible. Or direct sow in early spring or early autumn. The ideal temperature for germination is 21°C (70°F). Seeds will sprout in 7-10 days.

Step 2

Starting

Barely cover the seeds with soil. Transplant or thin to stand 60-90cm (24-36″) apart.

Step 3

Growing

Ideal pH: 5.5 - 7.0.

Stake these tall growing plants in windy gardens. Ordinary, well-drained soil will do, but Helenium prefers rich soil. Don’t let the soil dry out completely during the growing season, and deadhead regularly once flowering begins. Divide clumps every three to four years to maintain vigour. Division works best in the spring north of Zone 7, and in the fall in southern climes.

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