Mexican Sunflower Seeds

Plants are branched, stand 4-6 feet high, and can be used as a deer-resistant screen. Hummingbirds, bees and butterflies (especially monarchs) love it. This native of Mexico and Central America loves sun, heat and poor soils, and thrives in zones 2 to 11. It blooms from midsummer to frost. Removing spent flowers helps to prolong the bloom period.

Direct sow 1 to 2 weeks after the average last frost or start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Press lightly into the soil surface but do not cover, as seeds require light to germinate. Sow seeds in groups of 6 every 2 inches and thin to 2 foot spacing when plants are 2-3 inches tall. Seeds typically take 10-15 days to emerge.