Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus (hybrid)
Family: Asteraceae
Native: North America
Hardiness: Annual
Plant Dimensions: 5'–7'
Variety Information: 6"–8" flower heads with yellow petals and a green center
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Period: Summer
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date.
When to Start Inside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date. Sunflowers are sensitive to root disturbance; sow in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly in the ground.
Days to Emerge: 10–15 days
Seed Depth: ¼"–½"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 12"
Thinning: When 3" tall, thin to 1 every 12"
Harvesting: Seeds are ready to harvest when the back of the head has dried and turned brown, about 4 weeks after the flowers have been pollinated. Petals will have wilted and fallen off, and the seeds will be plump, and colored white with gray/black stripes. Seeds ripen around the outside of the flower first; the ones in the center will ripen last. Average yield is approximately 1 pound per head.
