Sunflower Seeds - Chocolate Cherry

85-95 Days to maturity. Helianthus annuus. Non-GMO. Open Pollinated. Annual. Heirloom. Heirloom Chocolate Cherry sunflower seeds mature to be 6 to 7 feet tall ornamentals with deep burgundy petals and an even darker center, very similar in appearance to Velvet Queen.

Approximately 1,700 Seeds/Oz.

Latin Name: Helianthus annuus

Hardiness Zone: Annual; Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Days to Maturity:85-95

Days to Germination: 4-10

Seeding Depth: 0.5 inches

Plant Spacing: 6-8 inches

Row Spacing: 8-14 inches

Plant Height: 6-7 feet

Plant Width: 1-5 feet

Growth Habit: Upright

Soil Preference:Loamy, fertile soil; but, they are adaptable and will usually grow readily in clay, sandy, or rocky soils.

Temperature Preference: 50-85 F

Light Preference: Full Sun to part shade.

Pests and Diseases:Sunflowers are generally a favorite of wildlife. Caterpillars can eat the foliage; squirrels and rabbits can eat every part of the plant, including digging up the seed before it even germinates. Protect your flowers with cages, nets, or another wildlife repellant.

Wild Sunflower Color:Deep burgundy blooms with an almost black center. Light green stems and foliage with dark-colored veins.

Easy/Hard: Easy

Direct Sow: Yes Direct Sow

Start Indoors: Yes, 3-4 weeks before transplanting

Growing Non-GMO Chocolate Cherry Sunflower Flower Seeds Chocolate Cherry sunflower seeds grow readily in most garden. Directly sow these seeds as soon as the soil temperature is above 45 F. For earliest blooms, begin the seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the soil warms up to the desired level.

Transplant outdoors only after a hardening-off period to avoid shocking the seedlings. Plant the seeds or seedlings in a prepared area free of competition and in full sun.

The seeds should germinate within two weeks and grow rapidly. Depending on your area, you may want to shield the seeds, seedlings, and full-grown plants from critters by surrounding or covering them with wire fencing, or another deterrent. These gorgeous annuals will die at the first hard frost, but will usually self-seed to send a new generation the following year. There is little need to worry about letting volunteers reseed, as these showy sunflowers are far from invasive or noxious.

Chocolate Cherry sunflowers have flexible water requirements and can handle slight over or underwatering. This variety may benefit from staking during the end of the season and during inclement weather. Chocolate Cherry Sunflower in the Flower Garden Chocolate Cherry sunflowers are gorgeous to add to wildflower mixes or for intentionally planting along a property or fence line. They are an excellent choice for involving children in their effortless growth.

They can be a specimen or focal point for their captivating display, or scattered in any spare patch of soil because of their readiness to grow. Harvesting Chocolate Cherry Sunflower These wildflowers can be cut flowers for seasonal bouquets of deep burgundy. When they are in full bloom, or just before, snip off the stem 12-18 inches down or at the next closest branch. They are perfect for fall bouquets or even as dried flower arrangements. Chocolate Cherry sunflowers also have edible seeds. The seeds are much smaller and can be tricky to harvest. Follow these tips: First, be fast! The birds and squirrels adore these seeds and will eat them as soon as they are ready.

Use a mesh bag with a drawstring like a seed collecting bag or nut milk bag and place it over the flower head (cinch the string to secure it) once the petals have faded.

Over the next month or so, the seeds will naturally fall to the bottom of the bag for an easy collection. About Chocolate Cherry Sunflower Garden Seeds The edible wild sunflower seeds taste delicious! The nutty flavor is creamy and delightful when lightly salted. Remove the outer shell before swallowing. Sunflowers of all kinds are currently all the rage! Whether you care about trends or not, it is easy to see why these have become so popular. Chocolate Cherry sunflowers are a huge attractant for native pollinators. Therefore, they are ideal for pollinator-focused gardens. The 4-6 inch wide blooms are perfect for borders or rows and will readily greet you each morning with their unique, colorful faces! Expect four weeks of continuous color during their peak bloom season! This variety of sunflower is gorgeous as a mass planting among its own kind, or interspersed with traditional yellow sunflowers for even more interest. Stories From Our Gardeners

"Chocolate Cherry sunflowers are so nostalgic for me, I have to smile every time I see them. To me, they mean summertime!"

Chocolate Cherry Sunflower Seeds Per Package:

4 g packet - Approximately 60 Seeds 1 oz - Approximately 1,700 Seeds 4 oz - Approximately 6,800 Seeds 1 lb - Approximately 27,200 Seeds 5 lb - Approximately 136,000 Seeds 25 lb - Approximately 680,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Chocolate Cherry Sunflower seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.