'Astra Gold' Sunflower Seeds

Days to Maturity: 58

Plant 'Astra Gold' Sunflower Seeds in spring, and in summer, the plants bloom heavily in feathery flowers with intriguing ruffled golden yellow petals, giving them a bit of wild witchery that's endlessly charming. Borne on stiff, course, multi-branching stems, the flower heads continue over a long season and last a long time in a vase. Be sure to cut sunflowers in the early morning to encourage longer-lasting blooms.

Although a towering, elegant, and architectural presence in the garden, 'Astra Gold' sunflowers are not too tall to add to the back of a bed or border in a cottage, informal, cutting, or wildlife garden, where the tasty seeds bring the birds flocking.

A hardy annual, sunflowers are fast-growing, tough plants, both heat tolerant and pest resistant, including deer. But consider planting with chives. The onion scent helps deter aphids.

Sunflower seeds are easy to direct sow. Just pick a sunny spot with 6 to 8 hours of direct sun, moderately fertile, humus-rich, neutral to alkaline, moist soil, and good drainage, preferably sheltered from the wind. Rake to a fine tilth, clearing stones and weeds; plant seeds 1/2 to 1½ inches deep, spaced 18 inches apart; cover thoroughly with soil; and 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 every two to three weeks, will keep sunflowers coming right up to the first frost.

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.