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Tall Sunflower Seeds

Helianthus giganteus

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting the tall sunflower seeds 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 Helianthus Giganteus 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.

Growing: This plant tolerates drought, though it flourishes with regular moisture. It spreads by rhizomes and can be aggressive, especially in moist or rich soil. Plants that are widely spaced or in especially rich soil will reach taller than usual heights, and may need staking or support. 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 the seed as soon as it ripens, since small birds love to eat it. 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 tall sunflower seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Helianthus giganteus

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

US Regions: Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 10,500

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 96 Inches

Color: Yellow

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~50 Seeds) $3.96 -+
1/16 Oz Mylar (1.77g) $14.40 -+
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $42.00 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~10,500 Seeds) $120.00 Notify Me
1/4 Lb Bulk Bag (113g) $480.00 Notify Me
1 Lb Bulk Bag (454g) $1,800.00 Notify Me
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DESCRIPTION

This native sunflower has much smaller flower heads than the domesticated varieties, but still produces small sunflower seeds that the songbirds will devour. In fact, it is tough to harvest the seeds, because the goldfinches always seem to get them first!
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. These are said to be the happiest of flowers, and in the language of flowers they symbolize loyalty and constancy.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting the tall sunflower seeds 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 Helianthus Giganteus 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.

Growing: This plant tolerates drought, though it flourishes with regular moisture. It spreads by rhizomes and can be aggressive, especially in moist or rich soil. Plants that are widely spaced or in especially rich soil will reach taller than usual heights, and may need staking or support. 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 the seed as soon as it ripens, since small birds love to eat it. 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 tall sunflower seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Helianthus giganteus

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

US Regions: Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 10,500

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 96 Inches

Color: Yellow

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant