Dharaseeds
Sunflower Seeds - Orange Sun
Estimated delivery between February 09 and February 12.
Orange Sun Sunflower Seeds are a striking and vibrant variety of sunflower, known for their large, golden-yellow blooms with a stunning orange center. These sunflowers are not only eye-catching but also easy to grow, making them an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their gardens or landscapes. With their tall stems and strong structure, the Orange Sun Sunflower is perfect for borders, as a backdrop to other flowers, or even in containers. It also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing the overall health of your garden.
Key Benefits
- Vibrant Color: Produces bold, golden-yellow petals with a rich orange center, adding a bright contrast to your garden.
- Tall and Sturdy: Grows on tall stems, typically 5-6 feet, making them perfect for creating a statement or using as a natural screen.
- Attracts Pollinators: A great plant for bringing bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to your garden.
- Easy to Grow: Requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
- Edible Seeds: The seeds are large, flavorful, and can be harvested for snacking, roasting, or planting next season.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Tall, robust stems supporting large, vibrant blooms with dark centers.
- Flower Profile: Yellow petals with a striking orange center; blooms are typically 5–6 inches in diameter.
- Growth Habit: A single-stem plant with branching leaves, ideal for creating a showy focal point or hedge.
- Height: Grows to 5–6 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for the back of garden beds or as a cut flower.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Plant seeds in the spring, once the last frost has passed.
- Ideal for warmer climates with temperatures between 70°F–85°F (21°C–29°C).
Planting Details
- Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1–2 inches deep.
- Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow room for growth.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil, rich in organic matter. A pH of 6.0–7.5 is ideal.
- Sunlight: Full sun; sunflowers thrive in direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Sunflowers need consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.
- Water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage deep root growth, aiming for 1–1.5 inches of water per week.
Fertilization
- Sunflowers are heavy feeders. Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) when planting and again when they reach about 12 inches tall.
Weeding and Mulching
- Keep the area around sunflowers weed-free, as weeds can compete for nutrients.
- Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, and sunflower beetles. Insecticidal soap can be used if necessary.
- Diseases: Sunflowers can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.
Harvesting
- Maturity: Sunflowers typically bloom in 70–80 days after planting.
- Flowering: Once the blooms begin to fade and the seeds are fully formed, it’s time to harvest.
- Method: To harvest seeds, cut the head off when the back of the flower turns yellow and the seeds are plump and firm. Hang the flower head to dry, and then scrape the seeds out.
Storage
- Short-Term: Sunflower seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- Long-Term: For longer storage, keep seeds in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain freshness.
Culinary Uses
- Snack on Raw Seeds: Enjoy sunflower seeds raw or roasted as a healthy snack.
- Baking: Add roasted seeds to muffins, breads, or granola for a crunchy texture.
- Salads: Sprinkle sunflower seeds on top of salads or use as a garnish for soups and stews.
Conclusion
The Orange Sun Sunflower is a beautiful and versatile variety, ideal for gardeners looking to add vibrant, eye-catching color to their landscape. With its tall, sturdy stems and cheerful blooms, it’s perfect for creating stunning borders or as a focal point in any garden. Plus, with edible seeds that are easy to harvest, this sunflower is as practical as it is ornamental. Whether grown for its beauty or its seeds, the Orange Sun Sunflower is a great addition to any garden.