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Autumn Beauty Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Tall, vigorous sunflowers the color of fall foliage: bright golds, burgundies, and bronze from 5-8 inches across. One plant can produce up to 20 blooms (often bicolors) that are great for pollinators, arrangements, and showy borders. 5-7 foot tall plants. Stems 15-44 inches long. Edible petals!
Days to maturity: 75-85
Seeds per pack: 100
Germination rate: 80% on 03/20/2024
Planting / harvesting notes
Sow seeds directly in full sun, keep soil from drying out, and thin seedlings to 18-24 inches apart. This species is an annual in most of North America, but may self-sow in subsequent years. Harvest the dried seed heads on the early side before they bend and topple to the ground, and allow them to complete drying under cover!
Seed keeping notes
To harvest the seeds, cut the dried, browned flower heads into a paper bag. Dislodge the seeds by breaking apart the seedheads/flowers. Use a strainer to sift out the larger chaff. Use your breath, wind, or fans to winnow off lighter weight chaff. Birds will likely start eating the seeds as they develop, so consider how much you'd like to leave for them, and how much you would like to save for yourself. Best harvested for seed during a dry spell.
