Ornamental Sunflower
Starburst Panache Sunflower is a vibrant annual that brings theatrical color to gardens across zones 2 through 11. This cultivar thrives in full sun with minimal water needs, making it remarkably low-maintenance once established. Direct sow seeds when soil reaches 55°F, space them 3 inches apart in rows 30 inches apart, and you'll have blooms ready to cut or display. Hardy from zone 2 to 11, this sunflower grows strong on infrequent but deep watering and light fertilization, rewarding you with flowers that last longer in the vase when harvested at just the right moment.
18-24 inches apart
Full Sun
Low
2-11
?in H x ?in W
Annual
High
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Starburst Panache delivers bold visual impact with minimal fuss. Its low water requirements and ability to establish deep roots through infrequent, thorough watering make it suited to gardeners who want drama without constant tending. The variety shines as a cutting flower, especially when you remove the central bloom to trigger a cascade of secondary flower shoots that keep the display going through the season.
Starburst Panache grows primarily as a cutting flower, where it excels at extending the bloom season through strategic harvesting. Cut the mature central flower head in the morning just after it opens, and the plant responds by producing side-shoot flowers that provide weeks of additional color. The seed heads also dry well for ornamental display or for saving seeds if you're an experienced seed gardener.
Direct sow seeds into the garden as soon as soil warms to at least 55°F. Space seeds 3 inches apart with rows 30 inches apart. Germination occurs best between 50 and 75°F.
Cut flowers in the morning immediately after they open, using a clean knife. Place stems in a clean vase with a few drops of chlorine bleach in the water to extend vase life. For seed heads, harvest when the bracts begin to shrivel, then hang the flowers upside down in a dry, sheltered location like a barn or shed.
Cut the mature central flower head in the morning just after it opens to promote the development of side-shoot flowers. This practice extends the blooming period significantly and gives you multiple harvests from a single plant.
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