Red Sun Sunflower

Direct sow Red Sun seeds into the garden as soon as the soil warms to at least 55°F. Sow seeds where you want them to grow, as sunflowers establish strong root systems and don't transplant well. Space seeds according to your variety's mature width, thinning seedlings to the appropriate spacing once they've developed their first true leaves.

For cut flowers, harvest in the morning just after the blooms open, using a clean knife and placing stems immediately in clean vases with a few drops of chlorine bleach in the water to extend vase life. For seed harvest, allow flower heads to mature fully, watching for the bracts (outer leafy structures) to begin shriveling, this signals peak seed maturity. Cut the mature heads from the stem and hang them upside down in a barn or shed to finish drying. Once completely dry, rub the seeds off the heads. For seed eating, note that gray and white striped sunflower seeds are traditionally preferred for consumption, though Red Sun produces chocolate-colored seeds ideal for bird feeding and seed saving.

Red Sun's branching habit produces multiple flower heads naturally without intervention. However, cutting the mature central flower head once it opens will actively promote side-shoot flower production, extending your bloom season well into fall. Cut flowers in the morning just after they open using a clean knife for the longest vase life.