Sunflower Mix

Description

Sunflower Mix

This easy-to-grow mixture of annual varieties of the native Sunflower species (Helianthus annuus) will flower from mid-summer into the fall. The large flower heads (some up to 14″) and the tall stalks (2′ – 10′) provide striking colors for a screen or to enhance a garden strip along a wall or fence.  This Sunflower Mix has a blend of colors and flower styles that can be used to cut flowers, harvest seeds, and attract birds.  Sunflowers make the perfect ‘happy’ gift to bring joy to someone’s day.

Sunflowers are the state flower of Kansas which is known as the Sunflower State!  In many cultures, sunflowers symbolize long life and longevity as well as constancy and loyalty from the bud’s tendency to follow the sun.  In Native American cultures, the sunflower symbolizes harvest, bounty, and provision.  Sunflower images have been discovered in the Andes in ancient temples.

Includes:

All Helianthus annuus species:

Ice Cream, Grey Stripe, Earthwalker,  Velvet Queen, Chocolate Cherry, Lemon Queen, Dwarf Incredible, Dwarf Sungold, Autumn Beauty

08.30.23

Planting Tips for Sunflower Mix:

Plant the seed 1-2 inches deep directly into fertile, well-drained soil along a wall or fence or where mature plants can be supported.  Sunflowers are sun worshipers and need 6-8 hours of direct sun each day.  They have long taproots and do best in loose, fertile soil, slightly alkaline, with good drainage.

We recommend planting seeds from this mix approximately 1 foot apart in rows spaced about 2 -3 feet apart and allowing room for a trellis or support for the very tall sunflower species.  The shorter species will fill in the lower areas.

Sunflowers (Helianthus sp.) are such a great annual for so many reasons. First of all, they are so darn cheerful with their big, bright blooms during the hottest part of the summer.  They are also easy to grow.  Just poke them into the ground and keep them well-watered until they germinate and then stand back because they thrive in rich soil and heat.  The pollen is loved by bees and the seeds are attractive to birds.

If you deadhead your sunflowers, they will keep pumping out new blossoms in their will to create seeds and more sunflowers.  Don’t cut the stalk way back, the next sunflower often forms just inches from the place you deadheaded.

Leave the very last batch of spent flowers for the birds and for next year’s flowers.

When it seems like the sunflowers are slowing down, leave the last set of flower heads on the plant for the birds.  Even if it’s a little ugly going into Fall, birds like the seeds right on the plant.  Little finches especially like to sit on top of the old brown seed head and bend over and pluck seeds out.

How to keep your sunflowers blooming!

Note:

The roots of sunflowers have an allopathic quality which inhibits the ability of other plants nearby to grow properly. This makes them a great choice for weed suppression but keep them away from other flowers that you love.

HGTV Growing Sunflowers