Helenium bigelovii, 'Tip Top'

Germination

Sow indoors. Surface sow onto moist well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a fine sprinkling of soil. Propagate 18-20°C. Do not exclude light. Germination takes 14-21 days but can be erratic. If germination does not occur cold stratify. Move to -4-+4°C for 2-4 weeks then return to warmth. Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on in cooler conditions 12-15°C. Acclimatise and plant out once danger of frost has passed with 50cm spacing. Autumn sowings can be overwintered in a cold frame and planted out the following spring.

Growing

Prefers any fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. May require staking. If wilting occurs water deeply.

Cultivation

Deadhead to prolong flowering window. Once flowering ceases and the plant dies back the stems should be cut down. Will benefit from an annual application of organic fertiliser in spring. Divide in the spring every 3 years.