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Sunflower Kaleidoscope Mix
Helianthus annuus
Grow a multi-colored patch of branching sunflowers with yellows, oranges, reds, golds, and chocolates blooming from summer to early fall. This mostly black-seeded mix is the result of our love for mixing it up. We grew hundreds of feet of various sunflowers ranging from 5-7' feet tall for florists and decided to harvest the seeds for you as well.
Sunflowers are native to the Americas and their seeds have been found at the San Andres dig site in Tabasco, Mexico (dating to 2600 BC) and in dig sites in Tennessee (as early as 2300 BC).
Days to maturity: 60-75
Seeds per pack: 60-70
Germination rate: 93% on 01/18/2024
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.
