Summer Lovin (F1) Sunflower Seed

Nicely sized 4–5″ blooms in hues of creamy yellow, lemon yellow, red, pink, and bicolor combinations. Dense, well-branched plants produce thin, 18–24″ long, stiff stems. While not technically a mixture, Summer Lovin presents a varied range of bloom colors within the lemon/red color palette. Overall, it has a very similar plant type and performance to its sister variety, Daydream Mixture, but offers a different (lemon/red) color range. Good choice for garden beds, farm beautification, mass plantings, and casual bouquets. Branching. Pollenless.

Edible Flowers: Flower buds can be fried, and the petals used as a garnish in salads and desserts; the flavor is bittersweet.

Specs:

• Plant Height: 64–76″
• Packet: 25 seeds

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

SOWING:Direct seed (recommended) – 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.