Plant in 72 flats and only let go for 2 weeks until planting.
Small flowers: Smaller flowers are easier to work with in mixed bouquets and arrangements. We recommend spacing sunflowers as close as 6-inches by 6-inches to produce small flower heads with thinner, more manageable stems. Short days, high density, low E.C. levels, and cool temperatures promote smaller flowers.
Large flowers: Use wider spacing to grow larger flower heads with thicker stems which are well suited to be sold in bunches of five or more. Long days, low plant density, moderate E.C. levels, and warm temperatures promote large flowers. For large flowers, simply adjust the spacing to 9-inches by 9-inches or wider.
A season-long harvest can be achieved through succession planting. There are two primary methods for planting for a successive harvest: planting more than one variety with different maturity times, or planting the same variety several times through the season. These methods can be used separately or in combination for a full season of blooms. The chart below is a guide, and dates may vary depending on variety and growing conditions.
Early Sunflowers – Lisa from Gardeners Workshop only covers hoops of early sunflowers with Agribon 19. She only uses AG19 on her flower farm and if needed doubles it up. She grows these on 6″ centers.
Special Varieties Flower Hill Farm and Sunflower Steve
Culture and fertilization requirements
Choose a site that receives full sun. Sunflowers perform best in light, well-drained loam soil with a pH of 6.5–7.5. Excessive nitrogen, especially during the summer, will result in plants that grow too vigorously with abnormal flower shapes. Sunflowers require little or no fertilizer to produce flower stems of high quality. If the soil is poor, it is recommended to add a slow-acting, granular 20-5-30 fertilizer.
Irrigation is generally not necessary for crops of sunflowers, as they are relatively drought tolerant and have a deep-reaching taproot. Excessive moisture can cause overgrown and soft plants. If irrigation is needed, use drip irrigation to prevent water damage on the blooms. Plastic mulch is not necessary to prevent weeds; generally after 3 weeks of growth leaves will shade out any developing weeds.
Harvesting details
Cut stems to desired length when the flowers are ¼ open with the petals perpendicular to the center discs. Strip the leaves and place immediately in a bucket of cool water. Harvesting at a later bloom stage results in reduced vase life. Morning or evening is considered the best time to harvest flowers, as harvesting in the heat of the day reduces flower quality and vase life. For harvesting for dried-flower use, cut the stems when the flowers are ½ open. Hang to dry or place in silica gel to dry.
Harvest light colored flowers when one petal has lifted off the face of the disk. Then they open indoors to prevent pest issues on leaves. Combat soft necks by: Add a splash of 2 tablespoon of “quick dip” in a gallon of water. Hydrating and keep stems as upright as possible in smaller buckets to keep them upright.
Current Seed Start & Transplant Dates
Note: Seed starting and transplant dates do not always correlate one to one with dates shown below. Note correct start and expected transplant dates on the tag of the tray for seed germination. Adjust dates with plant tags on a yearly basis if necessary. 8 ounces of fertilizer is about 1 cup. Consider Sustane various NPK and Alfalfa Meal or Blood Meal for nitrogen.
Athens
Franklin
Direct Sow Dates ( if any )
Variety Details
Variety Name
ProCut® Series
Seed Vendors
Johnny's 500 $26.25
Variety Name
Italian White
Variety Description
Italian White’s soft yellow petals surround a dark, central disk and dance atop tall, branching stems. This sunflower is reminiscent of Maximilian sunflower with its numerous 3-4” blooms and slim, stately growth habit. The Italian White will provide months of blooms to cut for the vase while producing enough to also leave ample quantity for pollinators. Birds love this seed, so if you want to save seed consider bagging blooms. An annual that grows up to 84”. Space 9-12”. SSF.
An open-pollinated favorite, this classic, heirloom Sunflower will bring butterflies, bees, birds and hummingbirds to and from the summer garden. With large, yellow petals and dark centers, Henry Wilde makes a stunning cut flower and looks gorgeous planted along fences, in wildflower meadows, or in the background of the garden. Growing to be about 5-6 tall, make sure to give this beauty plenty of room! All of the seed we handle at American Meadows is non-GMO, neonicotinoid-free and guaranteed to grow. Annual.
Warm tones of earthy orange, brilliant gold, and rusty reds make 'Earthwalker' Sunflowers a dramatic statement in your garden or meadow. Vigorous side-branching stems produce plenty of blooms for cut flower bouquets from summer to fall. Leave some finished blooms on the plants so birds can eat the nutritious seeds. An open-pollinated heirloom variety, 'Earthwalker' provides nectar and pollen for butterflies and bees as well! Non-GMO, neonicotinoid-free, and guaranteed to grow. Annual.
Lemon Queen is a unique Sunflower variety with pointed petals and chocolate-brown centers, making for fabulous summer bouquets. Try planting this easy-to-grow variety every several weeks for blooms all summer long. Growing to be about 6’ tall, this variety is great for the back border of any garden or meadow. An open-pollinated variety, Lemon Queen is sure to have visits from bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and songbirds throughout the season! All of the seed we handle at American Meadows is non-GMO, neonicotinoid-free and guaranteed to grow. Annual.
Moonshine Sunflower illuminates the summer garden with large, pale yellow blooms and black centers. Growing to be about 5-6’ feet, this variety is perfect for the back of the garden or planted alongside a fence for a dramatic look. Pollinators love this open-pollinated, heirloom Sunflower and it makes for a fantastic cut flower – we recommend trying a classic look by placing a single stem in a mason jar. All of the seed we handle at American Meadows is non-GMO, neonicotinoid-free and guaranteed to grow. Annual.
Unique bicolor flower pattern sets this beauty ablaze with autumn colors. Blooms average 5–6" across, but with tight spacing will be slightly smaller. Stem length is 16–34". Day-length neutral. Minimal pollen. Branching. AAS winner.
Ring of Fire is a five-inch sunflower having golden petal edges and a ring of red surrounding the chocolate brown center. Decidedly different from other sunflowers, Ring of Fire stands out in a crowd of plain gold or yellow flowers. Later to bloom, Ring of Fire may require 120 days to show bicolor blooms, but this late-season display is often what the garden needs for a fresh new look. Needing a full-sun garden, Ring of Fire plants may reach 4 to 5 feet tall, spreading 2 to 3 feet. The long flower stems are perfect for cut flowers. If not cut, flowers may produce seeds for wildlife, another benefit to growing Ring of Fire.