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Sunflower Seeds to Plant

Sunflower seeds grow into majestic and iconic flowers. They are known for their towering stalks and big, radiant blooms that follow the sun. Sunflowers grow best in full sun and well-drained soil because they form a long, powerful root system. They are robust and easy to grow and are popular worldwide. These annual plants come in a variety of sizes and colors. From the classic tall, yellow varieties to smaller, multi-hued types, sunflowers offer beauty and utility with their seeds and oil.
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Survival Garden Seeds provides sunflower seeds for planting in many varieties, perfect for gardeners looking to add striking flowers to their outdoor space. Our non-GMO seeds are selected for their strong germination rates and ability to produce healthy, vibrant sunflowers.

Growing Sunflower Seeds in Your Garden

  • Majestic blooms loved by humans and pollinators
  • Varieties ranging in size and color
  • Non-GMO, heirloom seeds
  • Garden beauty and seed production

INTRODUCING SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Sunflowers have captivated people for centuries. Native Americans originally cultivated them for edible seeds and oil. Today, they are grown for their practical uses and aesthetic appeal, adding dramatic height and color to landscapes, attracting pollinators, and providing seeds and oil. Sunflowers can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 11. They thrive in warm conditions with plenty of sunlight.

HOW TO PLANT SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Sow sunflower seeds directly in the garden when the soil has warmed. Plant them 1 inch deep, spacing them about 6 inches to 2 feet apart, depending on the variety's mature size. Sunflowers typically germinate within one to two weeks. Make sure to choose a location with direct sunlight, to ensure optimal growth and bloom orientation.

MAINTAINING SUNFLOWER PLANTS

Sunflowers are relatively low maintenance. Given their significant root system, however, they need regular watering to support their rapid growth, especially during dry periods. They can also benefit from support in windy areas to prevent leaning or even falling. Sunflowers are mostly resistant to pests, but keep an eye out for sunflower weevils. The seeds can be harvested when the flower heads turn brown. The backs of the heads will turn yellow.

With Survival Garden Seeds, growing sunflowers can be exciting for any type of gardener. The ability to choose from many varieties offers our customers the ability to grow their colorful blooms themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques. You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a "packed for" date, and we germination test each seed lot before packaging to ensure you receive viable, high-quality seeds that are ready to grow.

Are your seeds chemically treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our seeds. All of our garden seeds are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

Will your seeds grow in my USDA Hardiness zone?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these garden seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly. Check your seed packet for specific varieties. For best results, keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store them in an airtight container in a consistent temperature environment—a refrigerator or cool basement works well. Proper storage helps maintain germination rates and extends seed life well beyond the packed date.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO, heirloom varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.

Learn more in the blog

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