Red Sun - Sunflower
This variety produces highly branched, upright stems bearing at least 10 flowers 12 to 15 cm in diameter. They are bronze-red with yellow tips and a black center.
Sunflower seeds are very popular with birds.
What are the characteristics of the Red Sun sunflower?
Red Sun Sunflower, Helianthus annuus, a member of the Asteraceae family, is a highly branched mid-season variety that can grow up to 2 m tall. This ornamental plant has a dozen flowers with red-yellow petals and black centers, whose seeds can be eaten plain or salted.
The Velvet Queen sunflower and Evening Sun sunflower are also available in similar colors.
How to sow Red Sun sunflower seeds?
Red Sun sunflower seeds are sown from March to May in a nursery, under a light shelter, and from April to June in the open ground.
For nursery sowing, peat pots are preferable, as these plants don't like to have their root system disturbed. Transplanting will nevertheless enable earlier flowering. Sow sunflower seeds 2 to 3 weeks before planting in the garden. They should be kept moist and warm, at between 18 and 20°C, until they emerge.
For sowing in the ground, wait until the last frosts have passed. Sunflowers prefer rich, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Sow seeds in pre-worked soil, 1 or 2 cm deep. Space seedlings 40-50 cm apart in all directions. Keep sunflowers at least 1 m away from other crops, as they produce a substance that leaves little chance for their neighbors to develop harmoniously. Mulch the soil to maintain sufficient humidity and limit water evaporation. Watch out for slugs, which love young seedlings.
How to harvest sunflower seeds?
Birds are extremely fond of sunflower seeds, and will start pecking at immature seeds long before they are completely dry. It's always best to let the seeds ripen as long as possible on the ground. To protect them from birds, place paper or tulle bags around each flower head. If this method is not possible, cut off the flower heads as soon as the petals fall off.
Dry the flower heads in a dry, well-ventilated place, with the seeds facing upwards to prevent fermentation. Simply rub the flower head with your hands to remove the seeds.
Particularly rich in proteins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, sunflower seeds can be sprinkled on salads, dishes and pestos, plain or salted.
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Sow in pots 2 to 3 weeks before planting. Transplant with the root ball after the last frosts. Transplanting, although delicate because sunflowers' taproot is very sensitive, enables earlier flowering, but it is possible to sow in place, in rows spaced apart, after the last frosts. Beware: slugs are very fond of young seedlings.
Helianthus annuus
50 seeds
From 180 to 200 cm
From 12 to 15 cm
