Slightly larger blooms than Sunny Smile.
Attractive in small beds, containers, and 4-6" pots. 3-6" blooms are bright golden-yellow with a black center. Day neutral. Branching. Bears pollen. Ht. 10–15" in containers; 12–24" in the garden. Avg. 810 seeds/oz. Packet: 50 seeds.
DAYS TO GERMINATION: 7-14 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C).
SOWING: Direct seed (recommended) — Sow after last frost in groups of 3-4 seeds, 1/2" deep. Thin to one plant when true leaves appear. Transplant — Sow in final container, placing 1 seed per 6" pot or 3 seeds per gallon container, 3-4 weeks prior to planting out. Dislikes root disturbance. If transplanting to beds, wait for 3-4 true leaves to appear.
GROWING ON: Grow at 70-80°F (21-27°C) during the day and 50-60°F (10-16°C) at night. Warmer temperatures cause stretching; cooler temperatures cause plants to be more dwarf.
LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Light, well-drained soil of low to moderate fertility.
PLANT SPACING: 8-12". Space plants so that leaves do not touch. Crowding promotes taller growth and weaker stems.
HARDINESS ZONES: Annual.
HARVEST: Fresh: Harvest when flowers are just beginning to open. Dried: Flowers are completely open. Hang or use silica gel.
USES: Excellent in containers or for mass plantings.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Helianthus annus
2 reviews for Big Smile – Sunflower Seed