Black Russian is an heirloom sunflower that reaches a commanding 12 feet tall, crowned with massive flower heads that span 15 to 18 inches across. The blooms are striking: bright yellow petals encircling deep black centers packed with edible seeds. This open-pollinated annual thrives in full sun and matures in 70 to 100 days, producing seeds suitable for roasting, baking, or sharing with birds and pollinators. Its towering stature and dramatic appearance make it a showstopper in any garden, while the abundance of seeds offers genuine utility beyond pure ornament.
18
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
144in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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Black Russian produces truly enormous flower heads, 15 to 18 inches wide, that sit atop stems reaching 12 feet tall. Those large stems dry quickly and can be repurposed as firewood once the season ends, a practical bonus few ornamental flowers offer. The contrast between yellow petals and solid black seed centers is both striking and timeless, and the seeds themselves are delicious whether roasted for snacking or reserved for baking projects.
The primary use is harvesting seeds, which can be roasted and eaten as a snack, incorporated into baking projects, or dried and stored for winter bird feeding. The substantial seed heads attract bees, birds, and other pollinators during bloom, making this variety valuable for supporting wildlife. Once the growing season ends, the dried stems are sturdy enough to harvest and repurpose as kindling or small firewood, extending the plant's utility well beyond flowering.
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Direct sow Black Russian seeds outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed, pressing seeds into the soil at a shallow depth. This variety is recommended for direct outdoor sowing rather than transplanting, given its vigorous growth habit and sensitivity to root disturbance.
Harvest seeds when the back of the flower head has turned yellow or brown and the petals have dried and begun to drop, typically 70 to 100 days after planting. Cut the entire seed head from the stem using a sharp knife or pruners, leaving several inches of stem attached for easier handling. Hang the heads in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space to cure further. Once fully dried, rub the head gently with your hand or a stiff brush to dislodge seeds; they should separate readily from the dried flower center.
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“Black Russian is an heirloom variety with roots in Eastern Europe, specifically Russia, where it was selected and preserved by farmers who valued both its ornamental impact and its reliable seed production. The variety represents generations of open-pollination and seed saving, passed through families and communities across regions where sunflowers thrived. Its arrival to North American gardens reflects the broader movement of heirloom seeds into the hands of home gardeners, where preservation-minded growers continue to save and share these seeds today.”