Organic Dwarf Sunspot Sunflower Seeds - Below Standard - Low Germ

Germination Details

• Germination: 56%
• State (Utah) Requirements: 70%
• Suggested Use/s: Gardening
• Special Directions: This seed is 14% below standard. Plant more seeds to ensure you get the growth you envision.

What is "Below Standard Seed"?

Simply put, it is seed that doesn't meet our state's (Utah) germination standard, a standard that varies slightly from seed to seed. Any seed intended for gardening with a below-standard germination rate cannot be sold alongside seed that meets state requirements (which often reflect national germination requirements).

We send samples of all our seed to the Utah Department of Agriculture, where they perform several tests to assess the quality of the seed. These statewide and national seed standards align with the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) and ensure consumers receive the highest-quality seed, as advertised. Since this seed doesn't meet the state standard, we mark it as "Below Standard Seed".

Low germination seeds are non-refundable.

Click here to view regularly priced, high germination seed.

Growing Organic Dwarf Sunspot Sunflower Flower Seeds

Sunflowers are generally easy to grow from seed and strong garden performers when sown directly after the frost. Plants grow so vigorously that there is little reason to start seeds indoors. Sow Dwarf Sunspot seeds directly after the final frost in a sunny spot at the north end of the garden and sheltered from strong winds. Always plant tall sunflowers at the north end of a garden because it will not take long for a garden to be cast in a season-long shadow if not properly planned. For early spring blooms, start Dwarf Sunspot seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost. Harden off before transplantation. Dwarf Sunspot seeds take 1-2 weeks to germinate.

Sunflowers may need staking if plants are grown isolated and away from the support of a garden. However, Dwarf Sunspot's small stature reduces the necessity of staking. Plant 2-3 Dwarf Sunspot sunflower seeds 0.5 inches deep and 8 inches apart in average, loamy, and well-drained soil in full sun. Adjust staking and wind protection as plants mature. Dwarf Sunspot sunflowers are vigorous garden performers and require minimal care. Trim back any branches to shape and keep Dwarf Sunspot sunflowers from becoming weedy and invasive. Dwarf Sunspot sunflowers can handle mild drought, but for the biggest, brightest blooms, water whenever the soil is fully dried. Fertilizer is optional in good garden soil. Always follow package instructions.

Dwarf Sunspot Sunflower in the Flower Garden

Use Dwarf Sunspot sunflowers in your annual flower garden as a backdrop or a border. They also succeed when cultivated in rows, blocks, singles, or scattered in a field. Dwarf Sunspot sunflowers fit into cottage, native, cut, prairie, and meadow flower garden styles.

Harvesting Dwarf Sunspot Sunflower

For seed collection: Wait until the petals have faded, then use a mesh bag, such as a seed-collecting bag. Place the mesh bag over the flowerhead and secure it to the stem so critters can't crawl inside. Over the next 3-4 weeks, the seeds will fully ripen and then release into the bag. When the flowerhead has unloaded, remove the bag and use the seeds for snacks, gifts, or next year's garden!

For cut flowers: while in full bloom, cut off the stem with sharp scissors. Store in cool, clean water and change the water daily to keep the color vibrant. Optionally, tie a few stems together with a rubber band and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated but sheltered location for dried flowers in 2-3 weeks!

About Dwarf Sunspot Sunflower Garden Seeds

The flowerheads might follow the sun throughout the day when young and invite a plethora of pollinators to the area throughout the season.

Dwarf Sunspot is gorgeous, but has more uses than just beauty. You can use the leaves as cattle feed, and the stem fiber to make paper. The dried stems can also serve as fire kindling.

Sunflowers are native to North America's western prairies, plains, and meadows, including the temperate regions of Canada and Mexico. Many Native American tribes would traditionally plant sunflowers as the supporting "4th sister" to their other "3 sisters" staple food crops (beans, corn, and squash).

Stories From Our Gardeners

"Dwarf Sunspot sunflowers are the perfect dwarf sunflower. They are short but still tall enough for a good cut flower."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Organic Dwarf Sunspot Sunflower Seeds Per Package:

• 5 lb - Approximately 53,000 Seeds
• 25 lb - Approximately 265,000 Seeds