Helianthus annuus

Sunflower

The color and beauty of a flower garden can lift the spirit and renew the soul, and a bouquet of fresh cut flowers will bring sunshine into your home. Over the years we have conducted extensive flower trials, concentrating on varieties that are easy to grow-many from direct-sowing- have superior color and fragrance, and make a good cut flower. Take a bit of time, relax and enjoy a cup of steaming hot chocolate, and look over our selections. We think you'll find just what you're looking for.

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The Growing Guide

Soil Temp for Germ 60–75°F
Seed Depth ½"
Seed Spacing 3–4"
Days to Emergence 7–14
Thin Plants to 12–18"
Row Spacing 30"

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More About The Seeds & Plants

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Helianthus annuus

Germination Codes
Given at the end of each description to give you specific information.
(1) Germination occurs between 70-85°F and within 6-15 days. Sow indoors and cover lightly.
(2) Needs a period of pre-chilling. Mix seeds with moistened peat moss and place in plastic bag. Seal and place bag in an area where the temperature is around 60°F for 2-3 days. Then place in the refrigerator for 30-90 days. After pre-chilling, place seed on sterile seedling mix and cover lightly. Germination may take up to 30 days.
(3) Needs darkness to germinate. Remove cover as soon as germination occurs.
(4) Direct sow in the garden as soon as the soil warms to at least 55°F.
(5) Germination may be slow and erratic. A fluctuating temperature of 75°F during the day and 50°F at night may help.
(6) Needs at least 12 hours of light per day to germinate. Press into the medium but do not cover. Keep moist.
Note: For those varieties that indicate a (1) or (6), a very light covering of vermiculite will allow adequate light to the seed and keep it uniformly moist.

Direct Sowing
• To promote deep roots and strong stems, water deeply but infrequently
• One to two cups of TSC's Complete fertilizer per 10 row feet in the spring is adequate for the year
• Germination code: (4)

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Cutworms and weevils
• Insect control: Pyrethrin
• Common pests: Birds
• Pest control: BirdBlock Netting or flash tape
• Note: Avoid wetting foliage to prevent rust

Harvest & Storage
• Cut flowers in the morning just after they open
• Use a clean knife, a clean vase, and a few drops of chlorine bleach in the water
• Cutting the mature central flower head will promote side-shoot flower production
• Harvest the heads when the bracts begin to shrivel, and hang the flowers upside down in a barn or shed
• For seed-eating gardeners, gray and white striped sunflower seeds are the best choice
• Salting: When dry, rub the seeds off the heads and soak overnight in 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of salt added, drain, and dry in a 250°F oven for 4-5 hours and store in an airtight container

Tried and Tested

Our Favorite Sunflower

American Giant Sunflower is our employee favorite for its towering height and stunning blooms. Reaching up to 16 feet tall, it produces massive golden flower heads that attract pollinators and birds alike. Easy to grow and impressive in any garden, it’s a true summertime showstopper.

AMERICAN GIANT

Flower | sunflower

From $4.85

If this sunflower was any taller, you would need a flashing light on top of it to warn passing airplanes! Not only is this one of the tallest sunflowers that we have seen, it has the stalk to support it. The 10 inch golden blooms sit atop plants that can reach 16 feet. A perfect “living wall”. Approximately 10 seeds per gram.