Sunflower Sunspot - Burpee Seeds

Helianthus annuus

Like the familiar giant sunflower, but only 46 cm tall. Flower heads grow to 30 cm across. 

Sow in average soil in full sun after danger of frost. Sow seeds about 20 cm apart and cover with 2.5 cm of fine soil. Firm lightly and keep evenly moist. Seedlings emerge in 7 - 14 days. Thin to stand 30 - 46 cm apart when seedlings are 2.5 cm high. Blooms in summer. 

2g of seed

• Edible sunflowers will mature in about 3 months or more after sowing. To harvest the seeds, cut the heads off after the stalks are quite dry but before fall or winter rains come. Check the flower heads for maturity to see if the florets in the center of the flower disk have shriveled and the back of the flower head is turning yellow, or the head is starting to droop. Cut flower-heads with a foot of the stalk attached. Hang heads in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place so the seeds may fully ripen and dry. Cheesecloth, netting or a paper bag with holes punched in for ventilation should be placed over the head to protect the seeds and to collect those that may drop from drying.
• Shorter varieties may be grown in containers. Be sure to use a commercial potting mix.
• Pollenless varieties make terrific cut flowers.