Sun-Fill? Purple – (F1) Sunflower Seed

Novel purple sunflower.
Fast-growing sunflowers produce sturdy, 3-4" geometric flower heads for use as bouquet greenery. Petals are green at the center, fading to purple. Often, sunflower backs can be just as beautiful and interesting as the faces. To bring the "sunflower back" look to the forefront, American sunflower breeder Tom Heaton bred two innovative varieties (Sun-Fill Green and Sun-Fill Purple) with highly ornamental sepals that wrap the flower face, creating that look typically only found on the back of the flower. Sunflower heads produce very small and few petals, allowing for the calyx to cover the face of the bloom at harvest. Pollenless. Single stem. NOTE: Recommended for cutting only. If left in the field, small petals (which were hidden under the calyx) and large seedhead develop, altering the look of the flower. Ht. 60-72". Avg. 8,500 seeds/oz. Packet: 50 seeds.

DAYS TO GERMINATION: 7-14 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C)

SOWING: Direct seed (recommended) – After last frost. Transplant – Sow in final container 3-4 weeks prior to planting out. Dislikes root disturbance.

LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.

PLANT HEIGHT: Varies.

PLANT SPACING: 4-24". Single-stem varieties space 4-6" apart. Branching varieties space 18-24" apart.

HARDINESS ZONES: Annual.

HARVEST: Fresh – Flowers are just beginning to open. 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.

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.

USES: Excellent cut flower or for gardens.