Our Sunflower Varieties
Harris Seeds' diverse selection of sunflower seeds for planting caters to the varying needs of home and commercial growers.
Know the difference between each sunflower variety available at Harris Seeds to find the suitable seeds for you. Some of our high germination rate sunflower seeds include:
- Tall pollen-free sunflower seeds grow towering sunflowers bred to produce no pollen. This type has a longer vase life and is ideal for cut flower growers because of the reduced pollen and petals.
- Tall with pollen sunflower seeds yield classic, tall sunflowers that act as excellent pollinators for gardens and seed production. They have a thick stem and a large flower head, and produce high-protein pollen.
- Branching sunflower seeds produce multiple blooms on each plant. They have a longer flowering period and come in various colors and sizes. Depending on the variety, branching sunflowers can have large flowerheads or smaller blooms.
- Hedge sunflower seeds grow dense, bushy sunflowers, great for creating privacy and as garden backdrops. They are annual sunflowers that produce multiple golden yellow flowers with a greenish gold center.
- Dwarf sunflower seeds produce compact sunflowers that typically grow up to three feet tall. They're easy to manage and harvest, and are suitable for small spaces, like patios, balconies and small gardens.
- Organic sunflower seeds are bred from non-GMO seeds. These are ideal for organic farms and eco-conscious growers prioritizing sustainable practices. They're easy to grow and are often used for cut flowers and green manure.
- Orange sunflower seeds yield flowers with dark centers and a vibrant orange double-petal structure. They make good cut flowers due to their bold color.
- Single-stem sunflower seeds produce one large bloom per plant with a sturdy stem. Commercial growers prefer single-stem sunflowers for their uniform height and ease of harvest.
Best Practices for Growing Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a favorite among home and commercial growers because they're easy to cultivate and grow quickly. Whether you're planting gray, striped or black sunflower seeds, you can follow these tips for successful growth:
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Sunflowers thrive in the sun. Choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day. Use a loose, well-drained soil with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sowing Seeds and Watering
Plant the seeds directly outdoors after the last frost date. Space them apart by about 6 to 24 inches, depending on the variety, to provide ample space for the blooms. Keep the soil moist during germination and early growth.
Harvesting and Succession Planting
If you live in a windy area, consider staking your tall or large-headed sunflower varieties for ample support. For cut flowers, time the harvest once the petals start opening for a longer vase life. For seed harvest, give the heads time to mature and dry before collecting the seeds. Sow seeds every two to three weeks in the early summer for a continuous harvest.
Shop sunflower seeds online at Harris Seeds and get volume discounts when you buy wholesale.
View Quick Facts Chart
How To Grow Sunflowers (blog article)
Sunflowers for Cut Flower Sales - Guide
