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Prairie Sunflower Seeds – Native Annual Wildflower for Pollinators, Birds & Drought-Tolerant Gardens

Heirloom - Non-GMO - Reliable Germination

$4.99 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size: 1 Packet

What Makes Survival Garden Seeds Different - non-GMO heirloom seeds

Prairie Sunflower Seeds from Survival Garden Seeds bring the authentic beauty of the Great Plains into home gardens, meadows, and restoration projects. This native annual sunflower features graceful branching stems topped with multiple yellow-rayed flowers and distinctive red-brown centers, offering a more delicate, naturalized look than traditional single-stem sunflowers.

Growing 3–5 feet tall, Prairie Sunflower establishes quickly and blooms in its first year, producing abundant flowers from mid to late summer. Its open branching habit creates extended nectar access for bees and other pollinators while adding movement and texture to native plantings.

Exceptionally drought tolerant, this resilient wildflower thrives in poor, dry soils where other plants struggle. It prefers sandy or loam soils and requires minimal care once established. Fast germination in just 7–14 days makes it an excellent choice for direct sowing across zones 3–9.

Beyond its beauty, Prairie Sunflower supports a complete seasonal ecosystem. Deep taproots help improve soil structure, flowers attract beneficial insects, and the plentiful seeds provide essential food for birds well into winter.

Natural Prairie Color with Fast Results:

  • Branching plants with multiple flower heads
  • Yellow petals with striking red-brown centers
  • Blooms from mid to late summer
  • Reaches 3–5 feet tall in one season

Why Customers Love Prairie Sunflower:

  • Native annual sunflower that blooms the first year
  • Fast germination and quick establishment
  • Exceptional drought tolerance in poor soils
  • Attracts bees and beneficial pollinators
  • Provides abundant seed for birds through winter
  • Deep taproots help improve soil quality
  • Low-maintenance option for native and wildflower gardens

How to Use / How to Grow:
Direct sow Prairie Sunflower seeds after the danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds at the soil surface or lightly cover, and keep soil lightly moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7–14 days. Full sun is recommended for best growth and flowering. Once established, plants require little additional care and tolerate dry conditions well. Allow seed heads to mature for natural reseeding and winter bird forage.

Heirloom Native Plant Seeds

All of our seeds are open-pollinated, non-GMO, heirloom varieties with tested germination rates

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Helianthus petiolaris
  • Seasonality
    Annual
  • Planting Zones
    3-9
  • Light
    Full Sun
  • Soil Temp for Germination
    65-75 Degrees F
  • Germination Time
    7-14 Days
  • Planting Depth
    1/2 Inch
  • Plant Size
    3-5 Feet tall, 12-24 inch spread
  • Growing Instructions
    Sow directly outdoors in early spring after the last frost. Sow 1/2 inch deep. Keep moist until sprouted, then thin to 12-14 inches. Prefers well-drained soil.
  • Seed Saving Instructions
    Allow seed heads to dry on the plant. Collect seeds by shaking or rubbing heads. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 years.
  • Seed Count (approximate)
    169 to 200

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Diagram showing the growth stages of a native perennial plant over three years.

Native Perennials Are Worth The Wait!

Native perennials may not bloom in their first year. When planted from seeds, perennials put almost all of their energy into establishing strong, healthy root systems in the first year of growth. In the second year, you should see larger plants and some blooms. After the third year, you will be able to enjoy a bounty of beautiful blooms. Trust us! It will be worth the wait!

Cold Stratification Aids Germination

  • Yellow bowl with moist clean sand

    Step 1

    Lightly moisten some clean sand. Make sure it is not too wet.

  • Yellow bowl with moist sand and flower seeds

    Step 2

    Mix your seeds with the moist sand.

  • Moving moist sand with flower seeds to a labeled storage bag

    Step 3

    Store your sand in an airtight container like a zip-top bag. Make sure to label and date your container.

  • White refrigerator with a gold handle against a gray wall

    Step 4

    Refrigerate your sand and seeds for 2 to 4 weeks (or more, depending on the information on your seed packet)

Final Step

Sprinkle your sand with the seeds on the surface of prepared soil and gently press in. Most perennial seeds require light to germinate. Keep soil moist until germination occurs.

Support Native Habitats

  • Supports Local Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Native plants are uniquely adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, forming the foundation of healthy ecosystems. They provide essential food, shelter, and breeding grounds for a wide array of native wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects, which helps to maintain and enhance local biodiversity.
  • Requires Less Maintenance and Resources: Once established, native plants typically require significantly less water, fertilizer, and pesticides compared to non-native ornamental plants. Their deep root systems improve soil health and water penetration, reducing runoff and erosion, and their natural resistance to local pests and diseases minimizes the need for chemical interventions, saving time, money, and environmental impact.
  • Contributes to Climate Resiliency and Conservation: By supporting a healthy native plant community, you are helping to create more resilient landscapes that can better withstand the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events. Growing native plants also plays a crucial role in conserving local plant genetics, preserving the natural heritage of a region, and providing critical habitat corridors for wildlife facing habitat loss.
  • Detailed Growing Information: Paper seed packets include clear planting instructions, germination tips, and seed-saving info, great for beginner or experienced gardeners growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, or native plants.
  • Trusted USA Seed Company: Family-owned business providing heirloom, non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds; always fresh, untreated, rigorously tested, and expertly packed for long-term storage and gardening success across all experience levels

Why Choose Survival Garden Seeds

At Survival Garden Seeds, we believe in preparing today for tomorrow’s peace of mind. That’s why we offer only heirloom, non-GMO, and untreated seeds you can trust to nourish your family and support a sustainable lifestyle. As a family-owned American company, we’re committed to providing seeds that grow strong and true—helping you cultivate health, resilience, and beauty in your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your seeds heirloom and open-pollinated?

Yes. All of our seeds are heirloom, open-pollinated varieties, which means they can produce seeds that grow true to type and are suitable for seed saving.

You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

Are your seeds non-GMO?

Yes. All Survival Garden Seeds are 100% non-GMO. Our seeds are open-pollinated heirloom varieties and are never genetically modified.

Are your seeds treated with chemicals?

No. Our seeds are completely untreated and free from chemical coatings, fungicides, or synthetic treatments.

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 high viability.

What is the shelf life of your seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture.

In what USDA hardiness zones can I grow your seeds?

Our varieties are selected to grow successfully across USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 10. Each packet includes variety-specific planting guidance and germination tips.