The lower lip consists of three fused lobes with white splotched centers extending down the throat. A dark strip guides insects toward desirable nectar. Upper petals are fused and curved, forming a small hood or helmet-like structure. Flowers are born in the axils of the bract-like upper leaves. Planting This lovely little wild��ower can be introduced into your garden anytime using plants or seeds. It produces a large amount of seeds and seedlings, thus plantings will naturally and quickly increase in size. Hardiness Helmet Skullcap is suited for zones 8a-9a. Seeds Seeds are small, shiny and black and are produced in nutlets. Seeds are mature when the nutlet coat turns light brown and becomes papery. The plant may hold ��owers and seeds at the same time. Dried seeds can be stored up to six months, then sown when temperatures reach 70°F. Germination may take up to 30 days. Helmet Skullcap seeds are often available from the Florida Wild��ower Growers Cooperative. Plants Nurseries that specialize in native plants sell Helmet Skullcap almost year-round. It is generally available in 4-inch or 1-gallon pots. Care Helmet Skullcap readily spreads by seed. Excess seedlings can be easily removed or transplanted into small pots. To avoid having to weed out seedlings, prune plants back after ��owering to limit seed production. Disease and pests are not a problem with this wild��ower. Site conditions Prized for its early spring ��owering, Helmet Skullcap is great in the front of a mixed wild��ower bed. This adaptable plant can be used in well-drained to moist soil and is reported to be somewhat drought tolerant. A pH of 5-6.5 is ideal. It is best suited to sunny or lightly shaded sites. Plants will be dormant in winter, dying back to the rootstock. Helmet Skullcap is not salt tolerant. Flower stalks emerge from a basal rosette. Flowers are two-lipped. The lower lip consists of three fused lobes with a white center. W18 Photo by Andrea England Photo by Wayne Matchett Photo by Peg Urban Gulf Fritillary on Helmet Skullcap Photo by Andrea England Photo by Ron and Diane Bynum Helmet Skullcap is ideal as a border plant.
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