The Havasupai Small-seeded Sunflower is a branching variety with an intriguing origin story, collected from the Havasupai people in Arizona and preserved through the Native Seeds/SEARCH seed bank. Unlike conventional sunflowers bred for large kernels, this cultivar produces numerous small black seeds across multiple flower heads per plant, making it a distinctive choice for gardeners interested in heirloom varieties with cultural significance. Hardy across zones 2 through 11, it thrives in moderate water conditions and neutral soil, germinating reliably between 50 and 75°F.
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Moderate
2-11
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Moderate
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Black seeds significantly smaller than those found in most commercial sunflower varieties set this plant apart immediately. The branching growth habit yields numerous modest-sized flower heads per plant rather than a single dominant bloom, creating an abundant harvest despite each seed's diminutive size. Collected directly from Havasupai cultivation in the 1980s and carefully stewarded through the USDA and Native Seeds/SEARCH preservation network, it carries authentic ties to traditional southwestern agriculture that few garden varieties can claim.
The small black seeds can be harvested and eaten directly or used to extract oil, though their size makes processing different from conventional sunflower varieties. Gardeners often grow this variety specifically for seed saving, as the branching habit produces prolific seeds suited to replanting and sharing within seed-saving networks. Its ornamental branching structure and multiple flower heads also appeal to those seeking visually interesting garden plants with historical depth.
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Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last expected frost date in germination temperatures between 50 and 75°F. Sunflower seedlings do not transplant as smoothly as many flowers, so use individual pots to minimize root disturbance.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days before moving them to the garden. Transplant after soil temperatures have warmed and all frost danger has passed. Plant at the same depth they were growing in their containers, spacing according to mature plant width.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed to at least 50°F. Plant seeds in full-sun locations in well-draining soil with pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Harvest seed heads once they have dried on the plant and turned brown. The back of the flower head will shift from green to golden brown when seeds are mature and ready for collection. Cut the entire head and allow it to dry further indoors in a warm, dry location before threshing seeds from the head.
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“This sunflower was originally collected at Havasupai in the mid-1980s and subsequently sent to the USDA for safekeeping. Native Seeds/SEARCH, the Arizona-based nonprofit devoted to preserving crop diversity of the southwestern United States and Mexico, obtained a sample in 1993 from that USDA preservation work. The variety remains part of their living Seed-Bank Collection, continuing the work of protecting seeds that have been cultivated and selected by indigenous and traditional farmers across generations. Its inclusion in the SEARCH collection underscores both its botanical distinctiveness and its cultural continuity with Havasupai agricultural traditions.”