- Approximate seeds per pound: 59,000
- Season: Annual
- USDA Zones: 3 - 10
- Height: 108 inches
- Bloom Season: Summer to fall
- Bloom Color: Yellow
- Environment: Full sun
- Soil Type: Moist, fertile, pH 5.5 - 7.5
- Temperature: 69 - 75F
- Average Germ Time: 10 - 15 days
- Light Required: No
- Depth: 1/2 inch
- Sowing Rate: 8 ounces per 1,000 square feet or 22 pounds per acre
- Moisture: Keep seed slightly moist but not wet
- Plant Spacing: 24 inches
- Care & Maintenance: See: Sunflower
Wild Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) - Imagine a meadow filled with wild Sunflowers! Growing wild Sunflowers is very rewarding and easy. These giant annuals produce numerous 3 - 6 inch flower heads on branching stems. They are native to dry plains, prairies, meadows and foothills in the western United States, Canada and northern Mexico. Wild Sunflower plants are coarse, hairy, leafy, and fast-growing and typically grow to 36 - 108 inches tall with stiff branching, upright stalks. The species is commonly seen growing along roads, fences, fields and in waste areas west of the Mississippi River and is the state flower of Kansas. The flower heads have orange-yellow petals and brown to purple center disks. Planting wild Sunflower seeds will create a lovely naturalized setting.
Grow wild Helianthus in a sunny location in somewhat fertile well-drained soil. Keep soil weed free and moderately moist while plants are young. Once established, Sunflower plants are somewhat drought and heat tolerant. They will flower mid-summer through fall. Birds are attracted to the seeds.
How To Grow Sunflowers From Seeds: After danger of frost has passed, directly sow wild Sunflower seeds into prepared seed beds that are weed free and the soil has been loosened. Broadcast the Sunflower seeds and cover with 1/2 inch of soil. Sunflower Care: It is important not to over water wild Sunflowers. Too much water may result in soil loosening and losing stability to hold the large plants.