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Western Sunflower Seeds

Helianthus occidentalis

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, plant these western sunflower seed packets 1/2" deep. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 30 days before direct sowing. To start indoors, sow western sunflower seeds in a flat or individual peat pots, keeping the soil lightly moist and at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F until germination, which usually occurs within 10-20 days. Keep the seedlings moist. When the weather has warmed and the seedlings are well established, transplant outdoors. This plant adapts to a wide range of soils including shallow or rocky ground and clay.

Growing: This plant tolerates drought, though it flourishes with regular moisture. It slowly spreads by rhizomes, though it does not become especially aggressive. Deadhead the flowers for prolonged blooming. Plants growing in partial shade or moist soil will reach taller than usual heights, and may need staking or support. Mature plants can be divided after several years of growth. This plant attracts bees and butterflies.

Harvesting: For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water.

Seed Saving: After their petals drop off, the centers of the flowers will darken and develop tight clusters of seed. Harvest these western sunflower seeds as soon as they ripen, since small birds love to eat them. Cut the heads and spread them out to dry for several days. Thresh the dried heads to separate the seed from the chaff. Store the cleaned seed in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: FewLeaf Sunflower, Naked-Stemmed Sunflower

Latin Name: Helianthus occidentalis

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

US Regions: Midwest, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 13,500

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 36 Inches

Color: Yellow

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~100 Seeds) $3.75 -+
1/16 Oz Mylar (1.77g) $7.96 -+
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $17.50 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~13,500 Seeds) $50.00 -+
1/4 Lb Bulk Bag (113g) $200.00 Notify Me
1 Lb Bulk Bag (454g) $750.00 Notify Me
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DESCRIPTION

This native sunflower is much shorter and has much smaller flower heads than the domesticated annual sunflowers. Nonetheless, it produces small sunflowers seeds, which are loved by the local bird population.
Sunflowers were named for their habit of turning their faces to the sun. At the beginning of the development they exhibit heliotropism, or following the sun in its course from east to west, though the mature blossoms usually end up facing straight east. Helianthus Occidentalis are said to be the happiest of flowers, and in the language of flowers they symbolize loyalty and constancy. This particular sunflower is "western" not because it originates in the American West, but rather because it grows mainly in the western nations of the United States and Europe.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, plant these western sunflower seed packets 1/2" deep. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 30 days before direct sowing. To start indoors, sow western sunflower seeds in a flat or individual peat pots, keeping the soil lightly moist and at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F until germination, which usually occurs within 10-20 days. Keep the seedlings moist. When the weather has warmed and the seedlings are well established, transplant outdoors. This plant adapts to a wide range of soils including shallow or rocky ground and clay.

Growing: This plant tolerates drought, though it flourishes with regular moisture. It slowly spreads by rhizomes, though it does not become especially aggressive. Deadhead the flowers for prolonged blooming. Plants growing in partial shade or moist soil will reach taller than usual heights, and may need staking or support. Mature plants can be divided after several years of growth. This plant attracts bees and butterflies.

Harvesting: For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water.

Seed Saving: After their petals drop off, the centers of the flowers will darken and develop tight clusters of seed. Harvest these western sunflower seeds as soon as they ripen, since small birds love to eat them. Cut the heads and spread them out to dry for several days. Thresh the dried heads to separate the seed from the chaff. Store the cleaned seed in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: FewLeaf Sunflower, Naked-Stemmed Sunflower

Latin Name: Helianthus occidentalis

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

US Regions: Midwest, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 13,500

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 36 Inches

Color: Yellow

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant