Sunflower Autumn Beauty (Helianthus annuus)
0
Purchased (Rohrer Seeds)
Life Cycle
Annual
Category
Pack Date
Flower
2019
Requirements
Plant seeds directly outside after all danger of frost has past. Select a sunny location with fertile, well drained soil. Cultivate soil and firm over seeds. Keep soil moist.
Planting depth 1/2". Seed spacing 3", after thinning 2'. 7-14 days to germination.
Seed Saving
Once your sunflowers have died back completely and the backs of the blooms are brown, it’s time to harvest. You’ll also notice the seeds are plump and somewhat loose. Cut the stalk with sharp scissors or pruners, about one foot down from the flower head, and place in a container that can catch any loose seeds. Firmly rub the seed head over a bucket to catch the seeds. Rinse the seeds in a colander and then pick out all the bits and pieces that aren’t seed. Line a shallow cardboard box or wooden crate with newspaper and paper towels and scatter the seeds in a single layer to dry, leaving space in between each seed. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant. Label the container with the variety and the date you harvested. The seed will last for years if stored this way.
Additional Info
This attractive, easy to grow plant adds a nice background to any flower or vegetable garden. Sunflowers are nice children's garden ideas since they are easy and fast to grow. The sunflower seed also attracts wildlife to your garden, and can be harvested for winter.