Western Sunflower Seeds
Helianthus occidentalis
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, plant these western sunflower seed packets 1/2" deep. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 30 days before direct sowing. To start indoors, sow western sunflower seeds in a flat or individual peat pots, keeping the soil lightly moist and at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F until germination, which usually occurs within 10-20 days. Keep the seedlings moist. When the weather has warmed and the seedlings are well established, transplant outdoors. This plant adapts to a wide range of soils including shallow or rocky ground and clay.
Growing: This plant tolerates drought, though it flourishes with regular moisture. It slowly spreads by rhizomes, though it does not become especially aggressive. Deadhead the flowers for prolonged blooming. Plants growing in partial shade or moist soil will reach taller than usual heights, and may need staking or support. Mature plants can be divided after several years of growth. This plant attracts bees and butterflies.
Harvesting: For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water.
Seed Saving: After their petals drop off, the centers of the flowers will darken and develop tight clusters of seed. Harvest these western sunflower seeds as soon as they ripen, since small birds love to eat them. Cut the heads and spread them out to dry for several days. Thresh the dried heads to separate the seed from the chaff. Store the cleaned seed in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: FewLeaf Sunflower, Naked-Stemmed Sunflower
Latin Name: Helianthus occidentalis
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
US Regions: Midwest, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 13,500
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 36 Inches
Color: Yellow
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, plant these western sunflower seed packets 1/2" deep. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 30 days before direct sowing. To start indoors, sow western sunflower seeds in a flat or individual peat pots, keeping the soil lightly moist and at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F until germination, which usually occurs within 10-20 days. Keep the seedlings moist. When the weather has warmed and the seedlings are well established, transplant outdoors. This plant adapts to a wide range of soils including shallow or rocky ground and clay.
Growing: This plant tolerates drought, though it flourishes with regular moisture. It slowly spreads by rhizomes, though it does not become especially aggressive. Deadhead the flowers for prolonged blooming. Plants growing in partial shade or moist soil will reach taller than usual heights, and may need staking or support. Mature plants can be divided after several years of growth. This plant attracts bees and butterflies.
Harvesting: For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water.
Seed Saving: After their petals drop off, the centers of the flowers will darken and develop tight clusters of seed. Harvest these western sunflower seeds as soon as they ripen, since small birds love to eat them. Cut the heads and spread them out to dry for several days. Thresh the dried heads to separate the seed from the chaff. Store the cleaned seed in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: FewLeaf Sunflower, Naked-Stemmed Sunflower
Latin Name: Helianthus occidentalis
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
US Regions: Midwest, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 13,500
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 36 Inches
Color: Yellow
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant