Seeds from My Garden

Heliopsis

Heliopsis helianthoides

Heliopsis is sometimes called false sunflower, but there is nothing second-rate about it. It gives the garden weeks of bright yellow flowers and plenty of pollinator activity.

A sunny yellow heliopsis flower blooming in Amelia's garden

Light

Full sun

Sow

¼ inch deep

Soil

Average soil

Habit

Native perennial

How to sow

Direct sow outdoors in fall, or give spring-sown seed a cool, moist period before planting. Sow about ¼ inch deep and keep the soil moist while seedlings get started.

How to grow

Plant in sun for the strongest stems and best flowering. Established plants tolerate ordinary garden soil and some drought. Taller stems may appreciate support.

What to expect

Plants usually reach 3–5 feet and bloom from summer into early fall. Leave some seed heads for birds, or collect them for another season of sharing.

Seed-sharing note

These seeds came from plants growing in my garden. Seedlings are individuals, so they may not look exactly like the parent plant—and that is part of growing from seed.

From my garden

A closer look

A black swallowtail visiting yellow flowers in Amelia's garden — A swallowtail stopping by the yellow blooms

Dark heliopsis seeds beside a dime for scale — Heliopsis seeds beside a dime for scale

A note from my garden

“I love a plant that looks sunny even before I’ve had my coffee. Heliopsis is generous, sturdy, and always busy with visitors.”