Ruby red flowers that hold their petals.
 
QTY: 50 SEEDS
 
Flowers have burgundy, sometimes pink petals with lemony tips and dark centers. Branching plants have long, 18-24", strong side stems for cutting. Day-length neutral. Pollenless. Branching.
 
Edible Flowers: Flower buds can be fried and the petals used as a garnish in salads and desserts; the flavor is bittersweet.
 
DAYS TO GERMINATION:
7-14 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C)
 
SOWING:
Direct seed (recommended) - After last frost, sow ½" deep. Transplant - Sow into 72 to 50-cell flats 2-3 weeks prior to planting out. Plants dislike root disturbance but sowing indoors and then transplanting the first crop outdoors can be a successful way to get first-early sunflowers. Pinching branching varieties is recommended to encourage branching and longer stems. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks and/or plant multiple varieties for continued harvest.
 
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
Sun.
 
PLANT HEIGHT:
Varies.
 
PLANT SPACING:
18-24".
 
HARDINESS ZONES:
Annual.
 
HARVEST:
Flowers can be harvested tight, when color first shows, or when almost completely open, depending on your market and preferred use. Dried - Flowers are completely open. Hang or use silica gel.
 
SOIL REQUIREMENTS:
Light, well-drained soil. Excessive nitrogen may cause plants to grow too vigorously with abnormal flower shapes.
 
USES:
Excellent cut flower. Single stem sunflowers can make a beautiful and reliable display in the garden but please note that they will only provide one bloom form each plant.
 
NOTES:
Flower size and stem diameter are controlled by plant spacing, temperature, soil type, and day length. For early and late season production, select varieties that are day-length neutral or are noted as suitable for flowering under short days.