Elecampane Seeds - Inula Helenium - Medicinal, Beautiful, and Perennial
Quantity: 30 Seeds
Elecampane, or Inula Helenium, is a member of the Sunflower family, Asteraceae. This plant originates from Eurasia and lives as a perennial down to zone 4, but can be grown as an annual everywhere else. It produces beautiful flowers and highly medicianal roots which are typically consumed as a tea or tincture. The roots have compounds which are beneficial in trewating lung ailments such as congestion, coughs, bronchitis. The herb is also excellent for treating digestive ailments too.
The roots can be harvested during their first year, but they will be much larger after their second growing season. Elecampane thrives in many different environments, including poor soil conditions, but prefers to have lots of sunshine and a decent amount of moisture and nutrition in the soil. It doesn't grow well in the shade, so partial to full sun is recommended for the healthiest plants.
All seeds are organic and open pollinated.
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Growing Instructions
Elecampane seeds may be started in pots in the spring, or directly sown into the ground. Before sowing, it is best to stratify the seeds for 4 weeks; however, I have had success without doing this. Sow seeds on the surface of the soil or 1/8 inch deep, and be sure to keep the soil consistently moist until seeds germinate. The plants don’t require very much attention other than a good mulching, and a bi-weekly watering. These plants are quite vigorous, and just a few of them can provide you with a full years supply of tea. Elecampane is resistant to deer, pests, drought, and flood; It’s a very robust plant.