Sunflower Seeds - Dwarf Star
50 Days to maturity. Helianthus annuus. Dwarf Star Sunflower Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated sunflower. Annual in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. A widely adaptable sunflower strain that is shorter in height, suitable for cultivation across most regions of the country. Two-foot plants for use as a mid-sized bedding plant in the flower garden or in containers (one gallon or larger) for patios or decks. Produces bright, 4-5 inch single blossoms with yellow ray flowers and a dark center disk, blooming from summer into fall. Attracts pollinators when in bloom and birds as the seed heads mature. Seeds are edible for people and birds. Tolerates heat and a range of soil conditions. ~920 seeds/oz.
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Growing Non-GMO Dwarf Star Sunflower Flower Seeds
Direct sow Dwarf Star seeds 0.5 inch deep once the danger of frost has passed, spacing them 6 to 12 inches apart in well-draining soil. You can also start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before your last frost date, though direct sowing is usually easier since sunflowers dislike having their roots disturbed.
Water regularly until plants are established, then reduce watering slightly, since these compact plants tolerate both heat and average soil conditions well. Their shorter, sturdier stems generally need less staking than taller sunflower varieties, making them a low-maintenance choice for beds, borders, and containers.
Dwarf Star Sunflower in the Flower Garden
These compact, 2-foot plants make an excellent mid-height addition to flower beds and borders, and their manageable size also suits large containers on patios and decks. Bright yellow blossoms draw in bees and other pollinators throughout the summer, while the maturing seed heads later attract birds looking for an easy meal.
Harvesting Dwarf Star Sunflower
If saving seed or harvesting for eating, wait until the back of the flower head turns yellow-brown and the petals begin to dry and fall away. Cut the head with several inches of stem attached, then hang it upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated spot to finish curing before removing the seeds.
About Dwarf Star Sunflower Garden Seeds
Dwarf Star was bred as a shorter, more compact alternative to traditional tall sunflower varieties, without sacrificing the classic look of a cheerful yellow bloom.
Its adaptable, widely tolerant growth habit makes it a reliable performer across a broad range of climates and growing regions.
Beyond its ornamental appeal, this variety doubles as a wildlife-friendly planting, offering nectar for pollinators in summer and seed for birds in fall.
Tips From Our Gardeners
Plant a few seeds every couple of weeks through early summer. Staggering your sowing keeps fresh blooms coming later into the season instead of having them all open and fade at once.
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- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer |
Dwarf Star Sunflower Seeds Per Package:
- 4 g Packet - Approximately 130 Seeds
- 1 oz - Bulk - Approximately 920 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk - Approximately 3,680 Seeds
- 1 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 14,720 Seeds
Non-GMO Dwarf Star Sunflower seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Helianthus annuus |
| Dwarf Star Sunflower Color: | Yellow ray petals surrounding a dark brown center disk. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | Annual in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 |
| Days to Maturity: | 50 days |
| Days to Germination: | 7-14 days |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.5 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 6-12 inches |
| Plant Height: | 24 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Compact |
| Soil Preference: | Well-draining soil of average to moderate fertility, with a pH of 6.0-6.8. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer, 65-85 F |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | Yes, after the danger of frost has passed. |
| Start Indoors: | Optional, 3-4 weeks before transplanting outdoors. |
| Plant Width: | 12-18 inches |
| Plant Spread: | 12-18 inches |
| Bloom Size: | 4-5 inches |
| Bloom Time: | Summer to Fall |
| Germination Temperature: | 65-85 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Watch for aphids and powdery mildew. Birds and squirrels are drawn to maturing seed heads. |
| Easy/Hard: | Easy |
| Seed Stratification: | None required. |
| Landscape Use: | Borders, bedding displays, containers, pollinator gardens, and cut flowers. |
| Tolerance: | Heat- and drought-tolerant. Not particularly deer resistant. Attracts pollinators and songbirds. |