Sunflowers

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Helianthus annuus) Collected by Melvin Gilmore from the Arikara tribe at the Fort Berthold Reservation. First offered by Oscar H. Will in 1930. Sturdy plants grow up to 12' tall, flowers are single to multi-headed. Some single heads grow 12-16" across. Traditionally grown for its masses of edible seeds. Annual, 70 days. Characteristics:  Organic Annual flowers with edible seeds Plants grow to 12 feet tall Flower heads grow to 12-16 inches across 70 days 100 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after last frost. Sunflowers prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained rich soil. Provide support for tall plants. Sow 1/2" Deep Plant 6" Apart Germination 10-14 days Plant 24-36" apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (H. annuus) Multi-headed flowers range from bright yellow to gold to dark burgundy, with some bicolors. Under ideal conditions, one plant can have up to two dozen flowers blooming at the same time. Very nice for cutting. Plants grow 5-8' tall. Annual, 60 days. Characteristics:  Organic Annual flowers Plants grow to 5-8 feet tall Flowers range in color from yellow to dark burgundy with some bi-colors 60 days 100 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Sunflowers prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained rich soil. Provide support for tall plants. Sow 1/2" Deep Plant 6" Apart Germination 10-14 days Plant 24-36" apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

🍫🍒 Chocolate Cherry Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) A Decadent Masterpiece of Velvety Maroon and Deep Cocoa Indulge your garden with the rich, sultry tones of the Chocolate Cherry Sunflower. A true standout among branching varieties, this "gourmet" heirloom features stunning 5-to-8-inch blooms with petals in shades of dark burgundy-cherry that transition into deep, cocoa-mahogany centers. With its multi-branching habit and dark, dramatic stems, Chocolate Cherry is the premier choice for gardeners seeking a sophisticated, "dark" aesthetic that bridges the gap between the heat of summer and the harvest of autumn. 📜 Historical Heritage: The Art of Dark Pigmentation The Chocolate Cherry sunflower belongs to a lineage of "red" sunflowers that revolutionized the gardening world. Historically, all red-toned sunflowers are descendants of a single wild mutation discovered in 1910 by the Cockrell family in Colorado. While the early red varieties were often orange-red, modern heirloom selections like Chocolate Cherry have been refined over decades to push the boundaries of dark pigments. Breeders focused on stacking the "anthocyanin" (red) pigments with the plant’s natural "melanin" (dark) tones to create this specific, velvety browning effect. It represents the height of the "Contemporary Heirloom" movement—offering a look that is both avant-garde and deeply rooted in North American botanical history. 🐦 A High-Energy "Service Station" for Wildlife Chocolate Cherry is more than just a visual treat; it is a vital engine for biodiversity. Because it is a fertile, branching heirloom, it provides a much higher "utility" than single-stem commercial hybrids: Continuous Pollinator Support: Because it branches, it produces a succession of flowers over many weeks. This ensures a consistent, long-term supply of nectar and high-quality pollen for honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies. The Winter Songbird Buffet: Once the "cherry" petals fade, the heads produce small, oil-rich seeds. By leaving the stalks standing through winter, you provide a critical survival food source for Goldfinches, Chickadees, and Cardinals. A Sanctuary for Beneficials: The dense foliage and multi-layered flower heads provide essential cover for "good bugs" like ladybugs and lacewings that hunt aphids. ✨ Product Highlights Sultry Bicolor Blooms: Features dark "cherry" petals that bleed into a "chocolate" center, creating a stunning, moody gradient. Heavy Branching Habit: A single plant can produce 15 to 25 blooms, providing a massive yield of color for your garden. Premier Cut Flower: Sturdy stems and unique, dark colors make it a favorite for "professional" looking floral arrangements and rustic wedding bouquets. Dramatic Scale: Reaches heights of 6 to 7 feet, making it an ideal choice for a natural privacy screen or back-of-the-border anchor. Easy & Resilient: Thrives in heat and average soil, maintaining its deep colors even in the intense mid-summer sun. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Scientific Name Helianthus annuus (Branching) Plant Type Annual Height 6 to 7 feet Sun Requirement Full Sun (8+ hours) Bloom Period July through First Frost Days to Maturity 75–85 Days Flower Size 5 to 8 inches across 🌱 How to Grow Chocolate Cherry Sunflowers 1. Sowing the Seeds:Sunflowers have a sensitive taproot and prefer not to be moved. Direct sowing into the garden is the best way to ensure strong, tall stalks. When: Sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil is at least 65°F. Depth: Sow seeds 1/2 inch to 1 inch deep. Germination: Expect sprouts in 7–10 days. 2. The Perfect Location:Choose a spot with Full Sun. While they are adaptable to many soil types, they will reach their full potential in soil amended with compost. 3. Maintenance for Maximum Yield: Spacing: Thin seedlings to 18–24 inches apart. Branching varieties need extra room to spread their colorful "wings." Deadheading: This is vital. As soon as a flower begins to fade, snip it off (deadhead). This signals the plant to send its energy into the next set of buds, keeping the plant in a state of perpetual bloom. Support: Given its 7-foot height, planting near a fence or providing a sturdy stake is recommended to help it withstand summer storms. 🎨 Garden Design Tip Chocolate Cherry Sunflowers look spectacular when paired with the silvery-white foliage of Snow on the Mountain or the bright, "Electric Orange" of Siberian Wallflowers. The contrast between the dark "chocolate" and the bright white or orange creates a professional, high-impact garden palette. Garden Tip: To maximize the vase life of your bouquets, harvest the flowers in the cool of the early morning just as the first petals begin to unfurl. The color will be deeper and the blossoms will stay fresh for up to 10 days! ✂️🌻🍫

🌎 Earthwalker Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) The Burnished Soul of the Autumn Landscape Capture the rich, grounding colors of a desert sunset with the Earthwalker Sunflower. This stunning branching heirloom is a masterpiece of "earth tones," moving far beyond traditional yellow to offer a sophisticated palette of terracotta, mahogany, deep copper, and burnished orange. With its chocolate-brown centers and towering presence, Earthwalker provides a rustic, "antique" aesthetic that brings a sense of warmth and history to the late-summer garden. 📜 Historical Heritage: The Primitive "Wild" Look While the giant, single-head sunflowers were bred for industrial oil and large seeds, the Earthwalker lineage celebrates the wild, multi-branched genetics of the original North American sunflowers. Historically, these dark, earthy pigments occurred naturally as mutations in the Great Plains. Breeders in the 20th century stabilized these "earthwalker" traits to create a variety that looks like a wild wildflower but performs with the reliability of a garden classic. It represents a return to the "primitive" beauty of the species, offering a look that feels more like a piece of living folk art than a commercial hybrid. 🐦 An Ecological Powerhouse for the "Night & Day" Shifts Earthwalker is a high-yield plant for your local ecosystem, acting as a service station for wildlife from mid-summer through the depths of winter: Continuous Pollinator Buffet: Because it is a branching variety, Earthwalker produces a relentless succession of 5-to-8-inch blooms. This ensures a steady, months-long supply of nectar and pollen for honeybees, bumblebees, and migrating Monarch butterflies. The Winter Seed Bank: As the deep-toned petals fade, the heads fill with small, oil-rich seeds. By leaving the stalks standing, you provide a vital winter survival resource for Goldfinches, Nuthatches, and Cardinals. A "Living Hotel": The large, coarse leaves provide essential habitat for beneficial predatory insects like lacewings and ladybugs, helping to keep your entire garden ecosystem in balance. ✨ Product Highlights Stunning Earth-Toned Palette: Features a moody blend of bronze, chocolate, and orange, often with striking bicolors. Vigorous Branching Habit: A single plant can produce a massive "candelabra" of flowers, providing a far higher yield of color than single-stem varieties. Majestic Height: Reaches an impressive 6 to 9 feet, making it the premier choice for a "living wall" or a dramatic back-of-the-border anchor. Superior Cut Flower: The sturdy, multi-tonal stems are a favorite for rustic autumn bouquets and Thanksgiving arrangements. Tough & Resilient: Retains the rugged genetics of its wild ancestors; it is remarkably heat-tolerant and thrives in average soil. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Scientific Name Helianthus annuus (Branching) Plant Type Annual Height 6 to 9 feet Sun Requirement Full Sun (8+ hours) Bloom Period July through First Frost Days to Maturity 75–90 Days Flower Size 5 to 8 inches across 🌱 How to Grow Earthwalker Sunflowers 1. Sowing the Seeds:Sunflowers have a deep taproot and prefer not to be moved. Direct sowing is the gold standard for healthy, tall Earthwalkers. When: Sow outdoors after the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed (soil temp should be at least 65°F). Depth: Sow seeds 1/2 inch to 1 inch deep. Germination: Expect sprouts in 7–10 days. 2. The Perfect Location:Choose a spot with Full Sun (the more, the better). While they aren't picky about soil, they will reach their full 9-foot potential in soil amended with compost. 3. Maintenance for Maximum Branching: Spacing: Thin seedlings to 18–24 inches apart. Because Earthwalker branches out horizontally, it needs room to spread its "wings." Deadheading: This is the secret to a long season. Once a flower fades, snip it off. This signals the plant to send its energy into the next set of buds, keeping the plant blooming for weeks. Support: Given its height, planting Earthwalker along a fence or providing a sturdy stake is recommended to help it withstand late-summer thunderstorms. 🎨 Garden Design Tip Earthwalker Sunflowers look spectacular when paired with the cool purples of Giant Purple Hyssop or the airy white texture of Snow on the Mountain. The deep mahogany and bronze of the sunflower "pop" against cool-toned backgrounds, creating a professional-grade, high-contrast look. Garden Tip: Don't wait for the flowers to be fully open to harvest for your home! Cut the stems just as the first petals begin to unfurl from the chocolate center; they will open beautifully in the vase and last significantly longer. ✂️🌻🌎

Each plant carries an amazing variety of gold and pale yellow flowers with dusty rose to pink rings. High Mowing Organic Seeds - An unusual genetic mix with few solid colors and chocolatey brown centers. Well-branched; stems average 18" long with single heads. Great for bouquets and provides a long season of color Organic & Open-Pollinated Great cut flower Attracts bees and butterflies 8' tall Annual Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after last frost. Sunflowers prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained rich soil. Provide support for tall plants. Sow 1/2" =1" Deep Plant and Thin to 12" Apart Germination 10-14 days Plant 24-36" apart Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

🌅 Evening Sun Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) The Burnished "Sunset" of the Heirloom Garden Capture the warmth of a summer twilight with the Evening Sun Sunflower. This spectacular heirloom is a departure from the traditional bright yellow sunflower, offering a sophisticated, "burnished" palette of deep mahogany, velvet red, burnt orange, and golden bronze. Featuring a multi-branching habit, a single Evening Sun plant produces an abundance of 5-to-8-inch blossoms throughout the season, turning the back of your garden into a glowing, living sunset. 📜 Historical Heritage: An Artist’s Early 20th Century Favorite The Evening Sun is a classic American Heirloom that became a sensation in the early 1900s. While sunflowers had been grown for centuries for their seeds, breeders during this era began selecting for the "fancy" colors that occurred naturally as mutations. By the 1920s, Evening Sun was featured in premier seed catalogs as the ultimate "artistic" sunflower. It was prized by gardeners who wanted to move away from the "farm look" of giant single-head sunflowers and toward a more decorative, branching habit that fit the aesthetic of the burgeoning Arts and Crafts garden movement. It remains a favorite today for its "antique" look and its ability to produce dozens of blooms for the kitchen table. 🐦 A "Sky-High" Sanctuary for Wildlife The Evening Sun is as functional as it is beautiful, serving as a critical resource for your backyard ecosystem: Long-Term Pollinator Buffet: Because it is a branching variety, it produces flowers in succession over many weeks. This provides a steady, reliable source of nectar and pollen for honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies well into the autumn. The Winter Seed Bank: After the colorful petals fade, the heads produce oil-rich seeds. We recommend leaving the stalks standing through the winter to provide a vital survival food source for goldfinches, chickadees, and jays. Pollen-Rich Heritage: Unlike many modern "pollenless" florist hybrids, this is a true heirloom that provides the high-quality pollen needed by native specialist bees. ✨ Product Highlights Exquisite Sunset Palette: A rich mix of autumnal tones, often with beautiful bicolors and dark, chocolate-brown centers. Prolific Branching Habit: One plant can produce 10 to 20 flowers, providing a much higher yield of color than single-stem varieties. Majestic Vertical Interest: Reaches heights of 6 to 8 feet, making it the perfect choice for a "living screen" or a backdrop for the flower border. Premier Cut Flower: Sturdy stems and unique colors make it a top choice for seasonal floral arrangements. Easy & Resilient: Thrives in heat and handles average soil with ease—perfect for the beginner gardener. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Scientific Name Helianthus annuus (Branching) Plant Type Annual Height 6 to 8 feet Sun Requirement Full Sun (8+ hours) Bloom Period July through First Frost Days to Maturity 80–90 Days Flower Size 5 to 8 inches across 🌱 How to Grow Evening Sun Sunflowers 1. Sowing the Seeds:Evening Sun sunflowers are vigorous growers. While they can be started indoors in large peat pots, they are happiest when direct-sown into the garden. When: Sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil is at least 65°F. Depth: Sow seeds 1/2 inch to 1 inch deep. Germination: Expect sprouts in 7–10 days. 2. The Perfect Location:Choose a spot at the back of your borders or along a fence line. They must have Full Sun. While they are adaptable to many soil types, they will reach their full 8-foot potential in soil amended with compost and provided with consistent moisture. 3. Maintenance: Spacing: Thin seedlings to 18–24 inches apart. Because they branch out, they need more room to breathe than single-stem varieties. The "Secret" to More Flowers: Once the main central flower has finished blooming, snip it off (deadhead). This forces the plant to send its energy into the side-branches, resulting in an explosion of secondary flowers. Support: In very windy areas, the tall stalks may benefit from being tied to a fence or provided with a sturdy stake. 🎨 Garden Design Tip Evening Sun Sunflowers look spectacular when paired with the silvery foliage of White Yarrow or light purples of Lavender Anish Hyssop. The cool purple and white tones make the "sunset" colors of the Evening Sun appear even more vibrant and glowing. Garden Tip: To maximize the vase life of your Evening Sun bouquets, harvest the flowers in the cool of the early morning just as the first petals begin to unfurl from the dark center disc. ✂️🌻

🌻 Firefly Farm Sunflower Mix (Helianthus annuus) A Symphony of Autumnal Gold, Crimson, and Bronze Transform the perimeter of your garden into a towering wall of living light with the Firefly Farm Sunflower Mix. This signature curated blend is designed to capture the full, dramatic spectrum of the summer sun. From the iconic, radiant yellows that define the American prairie to the moody, velvet reds and shimmering bronzes of a late-October sunset, this mix creates a high-definition masterpiece of texture and color. Whether standing as a majestic backdrop or a vibrant privacy screen, these sunflowers are a true "showstopper" that will delight every passerby. 📜 Historical Heritage: The Artist’s Palette While the sunflower (Helianthus annuus) has been a staple of North American agriculture for over 4,000 years, the Firefly Farm Mix represents the pinnacle of the modern heirloom movement. Historically, sunflowers were grown primarily for their seeds and oil, but by the mid-20th century, gardeners began selecting for the "fancy" colors—the mahogany reds and toasted oranges—that occurred naturally in the wild. Our mix brings these diverse genetics together, echoing the old-fashioned "farmstead borders" where sunflowers served as both a protective fence for the vegetable patch and a vibrant, multi-colored greeting to the neighbors. 🐦 A Four-Season Wildlife Banquet At Firefly Farm, we believe a garden should be as functional as it is beautiful. This mix is an ecological powerhouse, functioning as a high-energy service station for your local ecosystem: Pollinator Support: The diverse bloom arrangements and varying flower sizes ensure a steady supply of nectar and high-quality pollen for honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies throughout the mid-summer months. The "Living Bird Feeder": This is where the magic really happens. We recommend leaving the seed heads on the stalks after the petals fade. You will be rewarded with a spectacular autumn and winter show as Goldfinches, Cardinals, Chickadees, and Jays flock to your garden to feast on the oil-rich seeds. ✨ Product Highlights Dynamic Color Spectrum: A breathtaking blend of bright yellows, deep reds, fiery oranges, and autumnal bronzes. Vertical Majesty: Reaches impressive heights of 5 to 8 feet, making it the premier choice for the back of the border or along fences. Plentiful Blooms: Selected for varieties with branching habits, providing multiple flowers per plant rather than just a single head. Easy-to-Grow Resilience: A "sow-and-thrive" mix that is perfect for children, beginners, and busy gardeners. Instant Privacy: The dense, large foliage creates a natural, seasonal screen that blocks wind and unwanted views. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Scientific Name Helianthus annuus (Curated Mix) Plant Type Annual Height 5 to 8 feet Sun Requirement Full Sun (8+ hours) Bloom Period July through First Frost Colors Yellow, Red, Orange, Bronze, Bicolors Days to Maturity 75–90 Days 🌱 How to Grow Firefly Farm Sunflower Mix 1. Sowing the Seeds:Sunflowers are fast, vigorous growers. While they can be started indoors in peat pots, they are happiest when direct-sown into the garden. When: Sow outdoors after the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Depth: Sow seeds 1/2 inch to 1 inch deep. Germination: Expect to see the first green shoots in 7–10 days. 2. Choosing the Perfect Location:Sunflowers are aptly named—they demand Full Sun. Choose a location along a fence, a garage wall, or the back of a flower bed. They are "heavy drinkers," so ensure they have access to consistent moisture, especially during the hot "dog days" of August. 3. Maintenance for Giants: Spacing: Thin seedlings to 12–18 inches apart. This gives the branching varieties enough room to spread their colorful wings. Support: Because these varieties can reach 8 feet, they may benefit from being tied to a fence or a sturdy stake if your garden is prone to heavy summer winds. Fertilizing: For the tallest stalks and biggest blooms, amend your soil with compost at planting time and provide a balanced organic fertilizer once the plants reach 2 feet tall. 🎨 Garden Design Tip For a professional "layered" look, plant a row of Incredible Sunflowers (the dwarf variety) in front of your Firefly Farm Mix. This creates a "stadium seating" effect of sunflowers, with blooms visible from the ground all the way up to 8 feet in the air! Garden Tip: Don't be too quick to clean up in the fall! The stalks of the Firefly Farm Mix provide excellent winter structure, and the seed heads are a vital survival resource for your backyard birds during the cold months. 🐦🌻

The Seed Savers Exchange - Multiple blossoms high on sturdy, top-branching, 8-12' tall plants. Flowers have soft, creamy, pale-yellow petals with a dark chocolate center. Great when used as a living screen or windbreak. Annual, 65 days. Characteristics:  Annual flowers Multiple flower heads per plant Flowers are pale yellow with a dark brown center Plants grow to 8-12 feet tall 25 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Sunflowers prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained rich soil. Provide support for tall plants. Sow 1/2" Deep Plant 6" Apart Germination 10-14 days Plant 24-36" apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Large, fully double, and fuzzy blooms soft enough to cuddle with. High Mowing Organic Seeds - Multi-branching plants have numerous bright yellow, eye-catching pompom-like flowers adored by children and just about everyone else. Will bloom longer than any other type; highly vigorous and productive. Approx. 550 seeds/oz. Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  Great cut flower Attracts bees 5-6' tall Annual 75 days  1/16 oz  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Sunflowers prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained rich soil. Provide support for tall plants. Sow 1/2" =1" Deep Plant and Thin to 12" Apart Germination 10-14 days Plant 24-36" apart Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

🌻 Henry Wilde Sunflower (Heirloom) The Quintessential Victorian Branching Sunflower Bring a touch of 19th-century elegance to your landscape with the Henry Wilde Sunflower. Unlike modern commercial varieties that produce a single heavy head, Henry Wilde is a majestic, multi-branching heirloom that offers an abundance of blooms throughout the entire summer. With its towering height and classic golden-yellow petals surrounding a deep chocolate-brown center, it is the perfect "living fence" or backdrop for any cottage garden. 📜 Historical Heritage The Henry Wilde sunflower is a true open-pollinated heirloom, tracing its roots back to the Victorian era. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, sunflowers were prized not just for their seeds, but as ornamental centerpieces for grand estates. Named during a time when gardening was an art form, this variety was specifically bred for its branching habit. While the agricultural industry eventually moved toward single-headed hybrids for easier machine harvesting, the Henry Wilde was preserved by home gardeners who valued a continuous supply of flowers for "cutting gardens." Today, it remains a favorite for those looking to recreate a historic or "old-fashioned" garden aesthetic. ✨ Product Highlights Antique Appeal: A classic look that hasn't changed in over a century. Prolific Bloomer: Produces dozens of 4–6 inch flowers on a single plant. Pollinator Magnet: A high-pollen variety that attracts bees, butterflies, and songbirds. Excellent for Cutting: Long, sturdy side-branches make it a premier choice for tall floral arrangements. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Plant Type Annual (Heirloom / Open-Pollinated) Height 6 to 10 feet Sun Requirement Full Sun (6-8 hours minimum) Bloom Size 4–6 inches wide Days to Maturity 80–90 Days Spacing 18–24 inches apart 🌱 How to Grow Henry Wilde Sunflowers 1. When to Plant:Directly sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 55-60°F (13-15°C). Sunflowers have long taproots and generally do not like being transplanted. 2. Choosing a Spot:Select a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Because Henry Wilde can reach heights of 10 feet, ensure it is protected from high winds or plan to provide staking. 3. Sowing the Seeds: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep. Space seeds about 6 inches apart initially, then thin to 18–24 inches apart once seedlings are 6 inches tall. (This variety needs extra space to allow its side branches to spread!) 4. Care & Maintenance: Watering: Keep the soil moist during germination. Once established, sunflowers are somewhat drought-tolerant but will produce better blooms with regular deep watering. Fertilizing: Use a balanced organic fertilizer at planting. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can lead to excessive leaf growth and fewer flowers. 5. Harvesting for Vases:For the longest vase life, cut the side-branches in the early morning just as the petals are beginning to unfurl. Garden Tip: Don't be too quick to pull the plants up in the fall! Leave the spent flower heads standing to provide a natural winter bird feeder for goldfinches and chickadees. 🐦⬛

A Hopi heirloom prized for its purple-black seeds, used especially for coloring baskets. High Mowing Organic Seeds - High Mowing sold this variety in our very first catalog, and we're bringing it back in part to complete the circle of our journey, and in part, because it's a great variety. Like us, it's scrappy and resilient and does a lot with a little, where the seeds are good for dye but also for food or feed, and are the best for de-hulling. The massive tall flowers are classically sunflower beautiful, with yellow rays around purple-black centers. Grown for countless generations, this variety will almost certainly still be used to make dye a hundred years from now. Approx. 500 seeds/oz. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Heirloom  Natural dye source  7-11 feet tall  95 days  1/16 oz approx.  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Sunflowers prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained rich soil. Provide support for tall plants. Sow 1/2" - 1" Deep Plant and Thin to 12" Apart Germination 10-14 days Plant 24-36" apart Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

🍦 Ice Cream Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) The Cool, Creamy "Vanilla" Choice for the Designer Garden Refresh your summer landscape with the sophisticated beauty of the Ice Cream Sunflower. A stunning departure from the classic "hot" yellows, this variety features elegant, pale primrose-yellow petals that transition to a soft ivory-cream at the tips—resembling a scoop of gourmet vanilla bean ice cream. With its striking dark chocolate centers and multi-branching habit, the Ice Cream sunflower offers a cool, muted aesthetic that glows beautifully in the twilight and adds a high-end "florist" touch to your garden. 📜 Historical Heritage: The "Moonlight" Modern Heirloom While the wild Helianthus annuus is famously bold and orange-yellow, the Ice Cream variety is part of a refined lineage of "Pastel" sunflowers. It belongs to a group of sunflowers developed in the late 20th century to satisfy the growing demand for "Moon Garden" flowers—plants that reflect the light of the moon rather than absorbing it. Historically, these pale varieties were a breakthrough for floral designers who wanted the iconic sunflower shape without the aggressive, clashing color of traditional varieties. By selecting for lower concentrations of carotenoid pigments, breeders stabilized this unique "Ice Cream" hue, creating a plant that feels like a soft, antique heirloom while maintaining the rugged, easy-to-grow nature of its wild ancestors. 🐦 A "Long-Stay" Resort for Wildlife The Ice Cream Sunflower is a branching variety, which means it provides far more ecological value over a longer period than single-stem types: Extended Pollinator Buffet: Because the plant branches out, it produces flowers in succession. This ensures a reliable, weeks-long supply of nectar and pollen for honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies. The Winter Bird Feeder: Like all true H. annuus varieties, these produce oil-rich seeds. If you leave the spent flower heads on the stalks, you will invite a delightful winter parade of goldfinches, chickadees, and nuthatches. Unique Visual Beacon: The pale color of the Ice Cream sunflower is highly visible to nocturnal pollinators like Sphinx moths during the dusk and dawn hours. ✨ Product Highlights Sophisticated "Vanilla-Cream" Petals: A rare, soft color that pairs perfectly with pastels and dark purples. Prolific Branching Habit: One plant can produce dozens of secondary blooms, ensuring your garden stays in color for months. Premier Cut Flower: Specifically bred for sturdy, straight stems and a fantastic vase life. The pale petals do not "bleed" or fade as quickly as some darker varieties. Perfect Height: Reaches a manageable 4 to 5 feet, making it ideal for the middle of the border or as a screen for vegetable gardens. Easy & Fast: Grows from seed to bloom in roughly 70 days. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Scientific Name Helianthus annuus (Branching) Plant Type Annual Height 4 to 5 feet Sun Requirement Full Sun (8+ hours) Bloom Period July through First Frost Days to Maturity 70–80 Days Flower Size 4 to 5 inches across 🌱 How to Grow Ice Cream Sunflowers 1. Sowing the Seeds:Ice Cream sunflowers are vigorous and easy to grow. They prefer to be direct-sown into the garden once the soil is warm. When: Sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil is at least 65°F. Depth: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep. Germination: Expect sprouts in 7–10 days. 2. The Perfect Location:Choose a spot with Full Sun. While they can handle poor soil, they will produce the most "Ice Cream" blooms if grown in soil amended with compost. 3. Maintenance: Spacing: Thin seedlings to 18 inches apart. This gives the branches enough room to spread and ensures good airflow. The "Secret" to More Blooms: Once the main central flower has finished, snip it off (deadhead). This forces the plant to send its energy into the side-shoots, resulting in a continuous waterfall of creamy blossoms. Watering: Water at the base of the plant. Consistent moisture will keep the petals succulent and prevent the centers from drying out prematurely. 🎨 Garden Design Tip Ice Cream Sunflowers look spectacular when paired with. The creamy vanilla of the sunflower against the deep, dark purples creates a professional, "designer" palette that is cooling and elegant during the heat of summer. Garden Tip: Harvest these just as the petals begin to lift off the center disc. Because of their pale color, they make for breathtaking "Moonlight Bouquets" for evening dinner parties! 🍦🌻🌙

🌻 Incredible Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) The Pint-Sized Powerhouse: Giant Flower Energy for Small Spaces, Quick Harvests Experience the magic of a sunflower field even if you only have a balcony or a small patio with the Incredible Sunflower. This unique dwarf variety lives up to its name by producing classic, oversized sunflower blooms on a remarkably compact frame. Reaching only about 30-40 inches in height, "Incredible" features sturdy stems topped with brilliant 7-to-9-inch golden-yellow flowers. It is the gold standard for container gardening and the perfect "first flower" for children and beginner gardeners. 📜 Historical Heritage: The Modern Compact Classic While the Helianthus annuus species has been cultivated by Indigenous North Americans for over 4,000 years, the "Incredible" variety is a triumph of modern horticultural selection. It was bred specifically to bridge the gap between the massive, 10-foot "Titans" and the needs of the modern suburban gardener. Historically, sunflowers were difficult to grow in pots because their massive root systems would become stunted, but the Incredible lineage was selected for its compact root architecture and its ability to bloom while still very young. It represents the "Incredible" adaptability of the species—maintaining the iconic sunflower look and heavy seed production in a package that fits in a window box. 🐝 A Pollinator’s Pocket-Sized Paradise Don't let the small size fool you—Incredible is an ecological heavyweight. Unlike many modern dwarf hybrids that are bred to be "pollenless" (so they don't mess up tablecloths), the Incredible is a fertile, pollen-producing heirloom: The Honeybee Buffet: The large central disc is packed with nectar and pollen, making it a primary stop for honeybees and bumblebees. The "Up-Close" Habitat: Because these grow at eye level (or on tabletops), they provide a unique opportunity to observe the fascinating lifecycle of native bees and butterflies up close. Autumn Bird Feeder: After the flowers fade, the heads fill with oil-rich seeds. Leave the spent plants in your pots through the winter to provide a vital snack for chickadees and finches. ✨ Product Highlights Perfect for Containers: Specifically bred to thrive in pots, planters, and window boxes. Massive Bloom-to-Plant Ratio: Features 7-to-9-inch flowers on a plant that is often less than 2 feet tall. Ideal for Kids: The large seeds are easy for small hands to plant, and the fast growth provides "instant" gratification. Sturdy & Self-Supporting: The thick, "trunk-like" stems are incredibly strong and do not require staking, even in windy spots. Classic Aesthetic: Traditional golden petals with a deep, dark-chocolate center. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Scientific Name Helianthus annuus (Dwarf Variety) Plant Type Annual Height 30 to 40 inches Sun Requirement Full Sun (8+ hours) Bloom Period Early Summer through Autumn Days to Maturity 55–65 Days Growth Habit Compact / Single-Stemmed 🌱 How to Grow Incredible Sunflowers 1. Sowing the Seeds:Incredible Sunflowers are fast growers. While they can be started indoors, direct sowing is usually best for strong, healthy stems. When: Sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil is at least 65°F. Depth: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep. Germination: Expect sprouts in 7–10 days. 2. The Perfect Location (Container or Ground): In Pots: Use a high-quality potting mix. A 2-gallon pot is perfect for one plant. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage. In the Ground: Choose a sunny spot at the front of your flower beds. They are not picky about soil quality as long as it isn't waterlogged. 3. Maintenance: Sun: They must have Full Sun. If they don't get enough light, they will stretch and become "leggy." Watering: Sunflowers are thirsty! Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the hot summer months. Feeding: For the biggest blooms, use a balanced liquid fertilizer once every two weeks once the plant reaches 6 inches tall. 🎨 Garden Design Tip Incredible Sunflowers make the perfect "living border" for a vegetable garden or a child’s play area. Because they stay low, they won't shade out your other plants. Try planting them in a row along a sunny walkway to create a "Golden Path" that greets you every time you come home. Garden Tip: If you want to use Incredible as a cut flower, harvest it just as the first petals begin to lift off the center disc. Because the stems are shorter, they are the perfect size for "mason jar" bouquets on your kitchen table! ✂️🌻

Low inventory of these left.  We are not sure if we will get this one back in for the 2022 season. The Seed Savers Exchange - A favorite Heritage Farm sunflower. Dwarf plants loaded with multiple blooms that have pointed golden petals and green centers. One of the best for container gardening and cutting. Plants grow 24-30" tall. Annual, 60 days. Characteristics:  Annual flowers with multiple flower heads per plant Flowers have pointed petals and green centers Plants grow 24-30 inches tall Good for container gardening and cutting 60 days 25 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Sunflowers prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained rich soil. Provide support for tall plants. Sow 1/2" Deep Plant 6" Apart Germination 10-14 days Plant 24-36" apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

High Mowing Organic - Buttery pale yellow petals contrast nicely with a wide brown center. This well-known variety has one large main flower followed by smaller, branching secondary flowers of excellent quality. Each flower has a long stem and holds well in bouquets. Plants bloom for a long period of time.  Characteristics:  Organic Excellent cut flower Attracts bees 5-7' tall Annual Open-Pollinated ~45 Seeds, 1/16 Ounce 70 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Sunflowers prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained rich soil. Provide support for tall plants. Sow 1/2" Deep Plant 6" Apart Germination 10-14 days Plant 24-36" apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

🌻 Mammoth or Grey Stripe Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) The Towering Giant of the American Homestead Reclaim the legendary scale of the traditional farmstead with the Mammoth Grey Stripe Sunflower. It is also known as Mammoth Russian, Tall Mammoth, or Russian Giant. This iconic heirloom is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the sunflower world, famous for its massive, single stalks that can soar up to 12 feet into the sky. Topped with a single, colossal flower head that can reach over a foot in diameter, the Mammoth Grey Stripe is as much a source of high-energy food as it is a breathtaking garden landmark. Whether you are growing for a "giant contest," harvesting your own roasting seeds, or feeding the backyard birds, this is the essential sunflower for every "big" garden. 📜 Historical Heritage: The "Russian" Traveler While the Helianthus annuus species is a native of North America, the Mammoth Grey Stripe has a fascinating international history. Indigenous people across the Great Plains cultivated these giants for thousands of years for their oil and nutritious seeds. In the 18th century, Tsar Peter the Great was so captivated by these American giants during a visit to the Netherlands that he brought seeds back to Russia. There, Russian farmers spent over a century selecting for the largest possible heads and the highest oil content, eventually stabilizing the "Russian Mammoth" strain. These improved seeds traveled back to America in the late 1800s with immigrants, where they were officially listed in seed catalogs like W. Atlee Burpee in the 1880s. To plant a Mammoth Grey Stripe is to grow a living bridge between ancient North American agriculture and European horticultural refinement. 🐦 The Ultimate Backyard "Bird Buffet" The Mammoth Grey Stripe is the single most important plant you can grow for avian wildlife. Because of its sheer scale, it provides a massive "all-you-can-eat" restaurant for local birds: Pollen & Nectar Goldmine: The massive central disc contains thousands of individual florets, providing a relentless supply of food for honeybees and bumblebees during the peak of summer. The "Big Bird" Favorite: The large, thin-shelled seeds are a primary food source for Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Woodpeckers. Natural Bird Feeder: By leaving the dried stalks standing through the winter, the heavy, bowed heads act as a natural, protected feeder that keeps seeds dry and accessible during the snow. A Habitat in the Sky: The enormous, coarse leaves provide shelter and hunting grounds for beneficial insects and small birds. ✨ Product Highlights Incredible Scale: Reaches heights of 8 to 12 feet (or more!) with flower heads 12 to 14 inches across. Edible Heirloom Seeds: Produces large, meaty seeds with the classic "grey stripe" coat—perfect for home roasting and snacking. Sturdy Single-Stalk: Unlike branching varieties, this puts all its energy into one massive, majestic bloom. Children’s Favorite: The fast growth and "Jack and the Beanstalk" scale make it the perfect project for young gardeners. High Yield: A single flower head can produce over 1,000 seeds. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Scientific Name Helianthus annuus (Giant Variety) Plant Type Annual Height 8 to 12+ feet Sun Requirement Full Sun (8+ hours) Bloom Period Late Summer Days to Maturity 90–110 Days Flower Size 12 to 15 inches across 🌱 How to Grow Mammoth Grey Stripe Sunflowers 1. Sowing the Seeds:Giant sunflowers have massive taproots and must be direct-sown for maximum stability. When: Sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil is at least 65°F. Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch deep. Germination: Expect sprouts in 7–14 days. 2. The Perfect Location:Choose a spot at the very back of your garden where they won't shade out smaller plants. They must have Full Sun. Because they are "heavy feeders," ensure the soil is deeply amended with compost or well-rotted manure. 3. Maintenance for Giants: Spacing: Thin seedlings to 24 inches apart. These giants need elbow room to reach their full potential. Watering: Water deeply and regularly. If the soil dries out during the head-forming stage, the flower size will be significantly reduced. Support: Given their 12-foot height and heavy heads, they may require staking or planting against a sturdy fence to prevent them from toppling in high winds. 🍴 Kitchen Tip: Roasting Your Harvest To harvest seeds, wait until the back of the flower head turns from green to yellow-brown and the seeds feel loose. Cut the head, hang it in a dry place, and once dry, rub the seeds off. Soak them overnight in salt water, drain, and roast at 300°F for 30–40 minutes for the ultimate home-grown snack! Garden Tip: Want to create a "Sunflower House"? Plant Mammoth Grey Stripes in a large square or circle, leaving a small opening for a "door." By mid-August, children will have a 10-foot tall, living, breathing secret hideout! 🏰🌻🐦

🌻 Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) The Majestic Perennial Powerhouse of the Autumn Garden Extend your sunflower season indefinitely with the Maximilian Sunflower. Unlike the common annual sunflower, this stunning North American native is a hardy perennial that returns year after year, getting larger and more beautiful with each season. Reaching heights of up to 10 feet and smothered in dozens of 3-inch, bright yellow blooms along its tall, graceful stalks, the Maximilian is the "grand finale" of the garden, providing a spectacular wall of color just as other summer flowers begin to fade. 📜 Historical Heritage & Royal Origins The Maximilian Sunflower carries a name rooted in the golden age of American exploration. It was named in honor of Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied, a German naturalist and explorer who led a famous expedition through the American West in the early 1830s. While exploring the Great Plains, Prince Maximilian documented the incredible biodiversity of the prairie, and this towering sunflower became one of his most enduring legacies. Historically, it was a vital plant for the Indigenous peoples of the Plains; the seeds were a source of food and oil, and the thick, fibrous stalks were used for building and fuel. Today, it remains a symbol of the untamed American prairie and a staple for restoration ecology and sustainable landscaping. ✨ Why Gardeners Love Maximilian Sunflowers A True Perennial: Plant it once and enjoy it for a lifetime! Its crown and rhizomes expand each year, creating a more impressive display every autumn. The Late-Season Champion: One of the last plants to bloom in the garden (August–October), providing a critical nectar source for monarch butterflies on their southern migration. Wildlife Banquet: The heavy production of small, oil-rich seeds makes this plant a favorite for songbirds like finches, nuthatches, and grosbeaks during the winter months. Natural Living Screen: Due to its massive height and dense, lance-shaped foliage, it is the perfect choice for a "living fence" or a natural privacy screen. Exceptional Resilience: Thrives in poor soil, heavy clay, and extreme drought. Once established, it is nearly indestructible. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Scientific Name Helianthus maximiliani Plant Type Native Perennial (Hardy in Zones 3–9) Height 6 to 10 feet Sun Requirement Full Sun (8+ hours) Bloom Period Late August through October Water Needs Low (Exceptional Drought Tolerance) Soil Preference Adaptable; thrives in clay, loam, or sandy soil 🌱 How to Grow Maximilian Sunflowers from Seed 1. Sowing the Seeds (Cold Stratification):Like many native perennials, Maximilian seeds have a built-in dormancy that is broken by cold weather. Fall Sowing (Easiest): Direct sow in the fall. The natural winter cold will prepare the seeds for spring germination. Spring Sowing: If planting in spring, mix seeds with damp sand and store in your refrigerator for 30 days before sowing. Depth: Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep. 2. Choosing the Perfect Spot:This plant is a giant! Place it at the very back of your borders or along a fence line where it has plenty of room to tower. Ensure the location gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight. 3. Maintenance: Spacing: Thin seedlings to 2 feet apart. Over time, the plant will form large, multi-stemmed clumps. Watering: Water regularly during the first season to establish the root system. Mature plants are highly drought-tolerant. Staking: In very windy areas or exceptionally rich soil, these giants may benefit from a sturdy stake or a fence to lean against. Spring Cleanup: Cut the old stalks down to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. 🎨 Garden Design Maximilian Sunflowers are the ultimate choice for Native Pollinator Meadows and Wildlife Gardens. Their height and brilliant yellow spikes create a breathtaking "vertical" element when paired with late-blooming purples like New England Aster or the feathery texture of Bronze Fennel. Garden Tip: If you find the plants are getting too tall for your space, you can "Chelsea Chop" them—cut the stalks back by half in early June. This will result in a shorter, bushier plant with even more flower spikes! ✂️🌻

Beautiful blend of well-branched, red sunflowers ideal for cut flowers and gardens alike. This lovely mix of red sunflowers offers some unique flair as the genetic mix presents a deep and romantic coloration that is hard to resist. Striking in the field or garden, the strong stalks make these colorful blooms an excellent choice for cut flower production. From our partners at DeBolster Seeds. Characteristics:  Great cut flower Gorgeous blend of red sunflowers 5-6' tall Annual Open-Pollinated 90 Days to Bloom Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Sunflowers prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained rich soil. Provide support for tall plants. Sow 1/2" Deep Plant 6" Apart Germination 10-14 days Plant 24-36" apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

🍷 Midnight Rouge Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) The Dramatic Velvet of the Midnight Garden Command attention in your summer landscape with the breathtaking Midnight Rouge Sunflower. A sophisticated departure from traditional garden varieties, this branching masterpiece features petals the color of fine Bordeaux wine—a deep, velvety crimson that appears nearly black in the shadows of twilight. With its soot-black central discs and multi-branching habit, Midnight Rouge offers a "gothic" elegance that provides a stunning, high-contrast backdrop for any floral display. 📜 Historical Heritage: The Quest for the Red Sunflower The story of red sunflowers is one of the most famous tales in American botany. All red-pigmented sunflowers, including Midnight Rouge, trace their lineage back to a single wild plant discovered in 1910 by Marie and Wilmatte Cockrell in Boulder, Colorado. Before this discovery, "red" sunflowers did not exist in the garden world. The Cockrells spent years stabilizing the trait, and their "Red Sunflower" became a global sensation. Midnight Rouge is a modern, refined descendant of that original wild mutation. It represents a century of selection for the deepest possible rouge pigments and a sturdy, branching habit that allows the plant to act as a "flower factory" for the home gardener. 🐝 An Ecological "Night-Shift" Service Station Midnight Rouge isn't just a beauty; it's a vital engine for your local ecosystem. As a fertile, branching heirloom, it offers more than just looks: Extended Pollinator Buffet: Because it branches, Midnight Rouge produces flowers in succession over many weeks. This provides a reliable, long-term supply of nectar and pollen for honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies. A "Dark Beacon" for Pollinators: Studies suggest that bees are highly attracted to the high-contrast "target" of dark petals and dark centers, making this variety a high-traffic zone for beneficial insects. The Autumn Songbird Feast: After the velvet petals fade, the heads produce small, oil-rich seeds. By leaving the stalks standing through the winter, you provide a critical survival resource for finches, chickadees, and cardinals. Natural Pest Control: The dense foliage provides excellent cover for ladybugs and lacewings, which help keep your garden aphids in check. ✨ Product Highlights Deep, Saturated Pigments: Features one of the darkest red hues available in the sunflower world. Multi-Branching Masterpiece: A single plant produces a primary bloom followed by dozens of secondary flowers on long, slender stems. Elite Cut Flower: Specifically selected for "florist-quality" traits—long, sturdy stems and a fantastic vase life. The dark petals provide a dramatic "wow" factor in bouquets. Stately Presence: Reaches 5 to 6 feet in height, making it an ideal choice for a "living wall" or a garden anchor. Pollen-Rich Heirloom: Unlike "pollenless" florist hybrids, this is a true heirloom that supports the health of native specialist bees. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Scientific Name Helianthus annuus (Branching) Plant Type Annual Height 5 to 6 feet Sun Requirement Full Sun (8+ hours) Bloom Period July through First Frost Days to Maturity 75–85 Days Flower Size 4 to 6 inches across 🌱 How to Grow Midnight Rouge Sunflowers 1. Sowing the Seeds:Midnight Rouge is a vigorous grower. While it can be started indoors in large peat pots, it performs best when direct-sown into the garden once the soil is warm. When: Sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil is at least 65°F. Depth: Sow seeds 1/2 inch to 1 inch deep. Germination: Expect sprouts in 7–10 days. 2. The Perfect Location:Choose a spot with Full Sun. They thrive in average-to-good garden soil amended with compost. Ensure they have room to branch out! 3. Maintenance for Maximum Rouge: Spacing: Thin seedlings to 18–24 inches apart. Good airflow is essential for the health of branching varieties. Deadheading: This is the key to a long season. As soon as a flower begins to fade, snip it off (deadhead). This forces the plant to send its energy into the next set of buds, keeping the plant in a state of perpetual bloom for weeks. Watering: Water at the base of the plant. Consistent moisture keeps the dark petals vibrant and prevents "heat-scorch" during the dog days of August. 🎨 Garden Design Tip Midnight Rouge Sunflowers look spectacular when paired with the silvery-white foliage of Snow on the Mountain or the airy, white clouds of Tall White Sweet Alyssum. The contrast between the "Midnight" red and the crisp white creates a professional, high-drama palette that is sophisticated and bold. Garden Tip: For the most intense color in your bouquets, harvest the flowers in the cool of the morning just as the first two petals begin to unfurl from the dark center disc. The color will be deeper and the vase life significantly longer! ✂️🌻🍷