Grow Giant Sunflowers for Seeds, Beauty, and Wonder

Few garden experiences match the thrill of watching a tiny sunflower seedling rocket skyward, eventually towering over even the tallest visitor. These classic, seed-producing annuals deliver massive blooms—often a foot across—with the simple, iconic charm of a child's drawing: a ring of golden rays around a dark center. The payoff comes in late summer, when the ripe heads offer a bounty of seeds for both gardeners and songbirds.

Top Tall Varieties

• 'Sunzilla' – A sturdy-stemmed hybrid reaching up to 16 feet.
• 'Giganteus', 'Kong', 'Mammoth Russian', 'Paul Bunyan' – All in the 10- to 15-foot range.

Medium & Compact Options

• 'Tarahumara' – 7 to 10 feet tall.
• 'Snack Seed' – New 6- to 8-foot variety bred for seed production.
• 'Sunspot' – Only 2 feet tall but prolific with seeds, perfect for small spaces.

Growing Tips for Success

Sunflowers are heavy feeders. Choose a full-sun site and amend soil generously with compost and organic fertilizer. Sow seeds directly, then thin seedlings per packet instructions. Keep soil consistently moist and weed-free. Feed weekly with fish emulsion. In windy areas, stake plants early to prevent toppling.

Harvesting & Roasting Seeds

1. Protect heads: As petals drop, cover each head with burlap, cheesecloth, or a paper bag to deter birds and squirrels.
2. Harvest: When seed shells are plump but not yet dry and loose, cut the head. Cure in a dark, room-temperature spot for 3–4 weeks. Rub seeds free with gloved hands.
3. Roast: Boil 3 cups seeds in 2 quarts water with ¾ cup salt for 1 hour. Drain, dry on towels, then bake at 300°F on a cookie sheet, stirring often, until crisp (about 1 hour). Cool and store airtight.

Seed Sources

• Burpee (800-333-5808)
• Nichols Garden Nursery (800-422-3985)
• Park Seed (800-213-0076)
• Renee's Garden
• Seeds of Change (888-762-7333)