Henry Wilde Sunflower

A towering 19th-century heirloom variety that reaches an impressive 7-10 feet. An abundance of 6-10” sunny yellow blooms branch out at the top, unlike other tall sunflowers such as Giant Gray or Black Russian. Long stems are great for cutting or planting for their height; use along borders and fences—a great source of pollen and nectar for pollinators.

20 seeds

PLANTING

Helianthus annuus

Annual 

Germination:  7-14 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-75ºF.

Seed Planting Depth: Sow ½-1” deep

Starting Indoors: Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Provide 70-75ºF soil temperature. Using peat, cow, or paper pots can help with the stress of transplanting; they grow delicate roots, and successful transplanting may be challenging. Transplant after the last frost, 18-24" apart. Water seedlings regularly until established. 

Sowing Outdoors: After the last frost, when soil is over 70ºF. Sow a few seeds every- short and single stem varieties 6-12" apart, branching varieties 18-24" apart. Thin to the most robust seedling. Sow a few weeks later for continuous blooms

Growth Habit: Upright, Branching

Height and Width: 7-10' x 15-20"

Spacing: 12-24" apart

Light Needs:  Full sun

Soil Needs:  Loose, rich, well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed: 65-75 days

Uses: Cut flowers and flower beds, short varieties-containers and planters, attracts pollinators

Care:  Mix compost into the soil before sowing or transplanting. Adding too much nitrogen can cause plants to produce more foliage than flowers.