Sunflower Seeds

While the vivid powerful sunflower is well-known for its attractiveness it is also a valuable food source. Helianthus is a genus comprising roughly 70 species of herbaceous plants belonging to the aster family Asteraceae.

Sunflowers are largely native to North and South America although some varieties are grown as ornamentals because of their large flower heads and edible seeds. Sunflowers are associated with a variety of meanings and symbols.

Some are based on the narrative of Clytie and Apollo the sun god from Greek mythology. Heliotropism or the tracking of the sun by juvenile sunflowers is an interesting sunflower fact.

Every day the face of a young sunflower follows the sun from sunrise to sunset repeating the pattern until it reaches maturity.

Are sunflower plants perennials

Sunflowers either are annuals needing to be replanted each year or perennials coming back every year from the same plant and distinguishing between the two is simple if you know-how.

It is dependent on the plant you are growing. Annual sunflowers are known as Helianthus annuus whereas perennial sunflowers are known as Helianthus multiflorus.

While the majority of varieties of this brilliant beauty are annuals meaning they will not bloom again the following growing season falling seeds may self-germinate.

The seed heads of annual sunflowers can be large or little whereas perennial sunflower seed heads are only small. Another difference is that annual sunflowers germinate and grow quickly whereas perennial sunflowers take longer to germinate and flourish.

Are there white sunflowers

If you've not spent some time looking into the various sunflower kinds available on the market you should. Annual sunflowers have been bred to bloom in colors other than the traditional sunny yellow and even white sunflowers are available.

Moonshadow has 4 inches 10 cm blooms on shorter stems and is creamy white. Italian White produces blooms that are similar in size to daisies but with smaller centers.

How to grow sunflower from seed

Sunflower blossoms are bright yellow and resemblesmiles on a stalk. Sunflower seeds can be planted from early March to mid-May but this varies depending on the variety so always check the seed packet.

After the threat of spring, frost has passed put sunflower seeds straight into the soil or outdoor containers. In a shallow trench between 1 and 2 inches, deep space seeds about 6 inches apart. 2 inches deep is preferable in sandy soil.

Cover and water seeds every 7 to 10 days until they sprout. Plants should be thinned to about 2 feet apart once genuine leaves grow. Stagger your planting spreading a new row of seeds every two to three weeks for ongoing flowering.

How to harvest sunflower seeds

Harvesting sunflowers is simple but knowing when to harvest them can be difficult for some gardeners.

Its simple to gather sunflower seeds at the end of the season to dry for replanting bake for a delightful snack or repurpose into suet cakes to feed the birds during the winter months.

When your sunflowers flower heads start to wilt keep an eye on them every day. When the undersides of the heads turn yellow and brown they're ready to harvest.

Seeds will seem plump with black seed coats or black and white stripes depending on the variety.

Cut the stem around one foot down from the flower head with sharp scissors or pruners and deseed the flower. Put the seeds safely in a container to store them.

Where to buy sunflower seeds

If you're intending to plant sunflowers in your garden for the first time its critical to get high-quality seeds to ensure that you get gorgeous flowers to adorn your space.

Nurserylive can help you grow your own sunflowers by providing high-quality seeds. Sunflowers can be grown in pots or directly in the garden with these seeds which have a good germination rate.

Sunflower seed varieties

Sunshine in a seed! From giant to dwarf, and every size in between, sunflower seeds offer a glorious selection for any garden enthusiast. Time to soak up the rays!

Planting sunflower seeds

Simple as sowing! Scatter your sunflower seeds with care, and before you know it, your garden will be basking in the glow of these cheerful, sunny flowers.

Sunflower seed germination

Sprouting sunshine. Give your sunflower seeds 7-10 days, and they'll transform into tiny sprouts eager to grow into towering, radiant blooms.

Sunflower seedling care

Pampering pays off. With a little love, sunlight, and water, your sunflower seedlings will stretch towards the sky, reaching their full, sunny potential.

Growing sunflowers from seeds

Here comes the sun! Nurture your sunflower seeds with patience and care, and you'll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring garden of sunshine on a stem.

Sunflower seed colors

A sunburst of hues! Sunflower seeds bloom into radiant flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red, and even chocolate, creating a vibrant garden color palette.

Saving sunflower seeds

The gift that keeps on giving. Harvest seeds from your favorite sunflowers to ensure an endless supply of these sunny beauties for seasons to come.

Sunflower seed packets

Pocketful of sunshine. With a variety of seeds available in handy packets, you'll be sowing smiles and sunshine in no time.

Heirloom sunflower seeds

Vintage vibes. Heirloom sunflower seeds offer a charming connection to the past, with unique varieties that have brightened gardens for generations.

Dwarf sunflower seeds

Small but sunny! These petite powerhouses pack a punch of color, making them perfect for containers, borders, and small spaces.

Giant sunflower seeds

Go big and bold! For gardeners who believe bigger is better, giant sunflower seeds will produce jaw-dropping blooms sure to impress.

Sunflower seeds for birds

Feathered friends rejoice! Sunflowers are a favorite among birds, so plant these seeds for a garden that's truly for the birds.

Sunflower seed mixes

A medley of sunshine. Sunflower seed mixes offer a delightful assortment of varieties and colors, ensuring your garden stays fresh and fabulous.

Organic sunflower seeds

Earth-friendly blooms. By choosing organic sunflower seeds, you're supporting sustainable agriculture and enjoying beautiful flowers, too. It's a win-win!

Sunflower seeds for cutting gardens

Snip, snip, hooray! Sunflowers make superb cut flowers, and planting a cutting garden ensures a steady supply of these fresh and fabulous blooms.

Sunflower seed sowing tips

Wisdom for the ages. Follow tried-and-true advice for sowing sunflower seeds, and you'll be rewarded with a garden that's the envy of the neighborhood.

Sunflower seed storage

Save some sunshine for later. Properly storing your sunflower seeds ensures a bountiful harvest of beautiful blooms for years to come.

Sunflower seed suppliers

Gardeners' best friends. Trustworthy sunflower seed suppliers ensure you're getting the best seeds for your money, setting the stage for an extraordinary garden.

Sunflower seeds for pollinators

Bees, butterflies, and blooms, oh my! By planting sunflower seeds, you're providing essential nectar for bees and other pollinators, supporting a healthy ecosystem.

Sunflower seed history

A sunny stroll down memory lane. Unravel the fascinating history of sunflower seeds and discover how these radiant flowers have captured the hearts of gardeners.