Elecampane, a perennial, grows to 8 feet tall with many side branches with numerous bright yellow flowers from mid to late summer. Roots are used medicinally as an expectorant with antibacterial and antifungal properties. As a dye plant, the roots yield a blue dye and the flowers a yellow-orange dye.

50 seeds

PLANTING

Inula helenium

Perennial

Germination: 14-40 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-70F

Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface, seeds need light to germinate

Starting Indoors: Start indoors 6-10 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-70F soil temperatures. Transplant after the last frost, 18-24 apart

Sowing Outdoors: Mid-spring when the soil temperature reaches 55-60F.Sow a few seeds every 18-24″ apart or sow 1-2″ apart in a row then transplant to the desired location.

Growth Habit: Erect stalks, branching

Height and Width: 5-8 x 2-4

Spacing: 18-24 apart

Light Needs: Full sun

Soil Needs:Elecampane needs average to fertile, well-drained soil

Flowering: Mid to late summer

Harvest: In the fall, roots of established 2-3 year old plants

Uses: Medicinal, flowers attract bees and beneficial insects