Organic Sunflower Mammoth Greystripe - Renee's Garden

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

EASIEST TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

Plant in full sun in good garden soil when all danger of frost is past and temperatures have reached at least 50°F (10°C) both day and night. Poke seeds into well-worked soil 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist as seedlings emerge.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

When seedlings are about 3 inches tall, thin to 12 to 18 inches apart with 2 feet between rows to give growing plants room to establish strong roots and sturdy stalks that won’t blow over.

GROWING NOTES

Keep soil moist and well weeded and protect seedlings from birds at planting time with netting or plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. For large heads, space seedlings at least 12 inches apart so plants can grow to full size.

HARVEST AND USE

As sunflowers bloom, bees pollinate the florets in each head and seeds begin to mature. When center disk florets have dried up, cover the ripening seed heads loosely with paper bags if you don’t want birds to eat the seeds. When ripened kernels are plump and hard-shelled, cut entire heads, dry fully, then remove the seeds by hand. Store in closed containers to eat for snacks or feed to the birds over the winter.