Helianthus annuus. 53 days. Shades of autumn colors ranging from red, mahogany-red, burgundy, russet-bronze, vivid gold, all in bicolor blends. 3-5 in. flowers. Plants grow 6-8 ft. tall with a number of secondary blooms. Small (2 g) packet has about 50 seeds. How to grow: Annual. Germination: 14 days, 70 degrees F. Full sun. Direct sow in May or June. Space 12-18” apart. Taller varieties may need staking. Early in the growth stage, place a pole at the base of the stalk. As the stem grows, use twine or soft ties to secure it to the stake every 6’ or so. History: Some archaeologists believe that Native Americans may have cultivated sunflowers as early as 3000 B.C. Uses: You can leave any remaining seed-heads in the garden for fall and winter visitors. Or you can cut and dry the seed-heads indoors. Throughout the winter months, tie dried heads to trees or to your deck to create feeding stations. Uses: You can leave any remaining seed-heads in the garden for fall and winter visitors. Or you can cut and dry the seed-heads indoors. Throughout the winter months, tie dried heads to fences or to your deck or suspend in trees to feed birds.
