Growing Sunspot Sunflower Garden Seeds

Sunspot sunflowers are generally easy to grow from seed and strong garden performers when sown directly after the frost. But for early blooms, sow Sunspot seeds 3-4 weeks indoors prior to final frost with germination occurring in 10-15 days. Harden off plants before transplanting outside to a warm, sunny spot sheltered from strong winds once all frost has passed. Sunspot sunflowers may need staking if plants are grown isolated and away from the support of a garden. This dwarfed variety of Sunspot sunflower is great for indoor growth too. Plant 2-3 Sunspot seeds ¼" deep and 8" apart in average, moist, and well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid overhead watering by watering soil directly to minimize wetting foliage, which may cause mold and mildew. Sunspot sunflowers are tolerant of drought and poor soils. Monitor regularly for caterpillars and beetles feeding on the foliage, but Sunspot sunflowers generally have no serious pests or diseases. Adjust staking and wind protection as plants mature. Sunspot sunflower seeds mature in as quickly as 65-80 days as 30-36" tall semi-dwarf uprights with an 8-10" spread and one enormous 10" head of bright golden-yellow petals with countless dozens of fiery sunburst-orange seeds.

Helianthus annuus is an ideal variety for bird enthusiasts because the seeds grown by sunflowers are a year-round favorite for fowl. Once summer has passed, harvest the seeds from the heads and save them as a coveted wintertime bird seed.