Sunflower tall 'Red sun'

100 Seeds

Seeding Sunflower 'Red Sun' (a tall Helianthus annuus variety with striking deep red to mahogany blooms) is easy and very rewarding. These sunflowers grow 5–7 feet tall, attract pollinators, and make bold cut flowers.

Here’s how to grow them from seed:

🌻 Sunflower 'Red Sun' – Seeding Guide

📅 When to Sow

Outdoors (recommended):

• Direct sow after last frost, when soil is 60°F (16°C) or warmer

  • Usually late spring (April–June depending on your zone)

Indoors (optional):

• Start 2–3 weeks before last frost in peat pots (sunflowers don’t like root disturbance)

• Transplant gently after hardening off

🌱 How to Sow

Soil & Location

• Choose a full sun site (6–8+ hours/day)

• Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil

• Avoid very rich nitrogen-heavy soil (can cause weak stems)

Sowing Instructions

• Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • 12–18 inches apart for full-sized branching plants

  • For dense plantings, sow closer and thin later

🌡️ Germination

• Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C)

• Time: 7–10 days

🌼 Growth & Blooming

• Height: 5–7 feet

• Bloom time: 70–90 days from sowing

• Produces multiple blooms on branching stems

🌿 Care Tips

• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong roots

• Support with stakes in windy areas (especially in loose soil)

• Deadhead to encourage more blooms or let seeds mature for birds

• Can tolerate drought once established

🐝 Wildlife Benefits

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and songbirds

• Seed heads can be dried for bird food or saved for replanting