Elecampane

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 65-70ºF Seed Planting Depth:  Sow on the surface, seeds need light to germinate Starting Indoors: Start indoors 6-10 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-70ºF soil temperatures. Transplant after the last frost, 18-24” apart  Sowing Outdoors: Mid-spring when the soil temperature reaches 55-60ºF. 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