'Autumn Time' Sunflower Seeds

This assorted 'Autumn Time' Sunflower mix contains solid and bicolor blooms in autumnal hues. The highly decorative blooms, borne on sturdy stems, are destined for a vase. Be sure to cut sunflowers early in the morning to encourage longer-lasting blooms.

The quintessential summer flower, sunflowers are extremely popular plants. Fast-growing and easy to sow, they put on a big show with little effort.

'Autumn Time' Sunflower plants grow to a mid-height and produce multi-branching heads. They fit nicely in cottage and cutting gardens, but they're almost essential in pollinator and wildlife gardens because sunflowers are a favorite food for many birds, bees, butterflies, beneficial insects, and mammals. And children love these happy plants, too. And since 'Autumn Time' Sunflowers are tough, heat tolerant, and pest resistant, they're a perfect addition to children's gardens.

The 'Autumn Time' Sunflower Seeds are easy to direct sow. Just pick a sunny spot (6 to 8 hours of direct sun) with good drainage, preferably sheltered from the wind. Rake soil to a fine tilth, clearing stones and weeds, plant seeds ½ to 1 ½ inches deep, spaced 18 inches apart, and cover thoroughly with soil. Water regularly. Applying a light application of fertilizer at time of planting and watering deeply but infrequently once the plant is established promotes deep rooting. And succession planting, sowing a new row of 'Autumn Time' Sunflower Seeds every two to three weeks, will keep sunflowers coming right up to the first frost.

Sunflowers are tough plants, both heat tolerant and pest resistant. But consider planting with chives. The onion scent helps deter aphids.

'Autumn Time' Sunflower Seeds can also be started indoors and planted outdoors after the risk of frost has passed. If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.