Henry Wilde is a stunning heirloom sunflower with pure yellow petals and dark centers that reaches 60 to 84 inches tall in 85 to 95 days. This classic beauty thrives in zones 2 through 11 and earns its place in gardens primarily as an exceptional cut flower, though it also makes a striking statement planted along fences or as a focal point in sunny borders. Direct-sown after the last frost or started indoors 2 to 3 weeks before transplanting, it germinates in 7 to 14 days and matures reliably in mid-season conditions.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
84in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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Henry Wilde delivers the iconic sunflower look that feels both timeless and immediately recognizable, with those luminous yellow petals radiating from deep chocolate centers. Its substantial 60 to 84 inch height and long, sturdy stems make it a florist's dream for cutting, whether you harvest the blooms tight when color first emerges or wait until they open fully. The variety tolerates a broad hardiness range from zone 2 to 11, opening possibilities for gardeners in vastly different climates to succeed with this heirloom.
Henry Wilde shines as a cut flower, with harvest flexibility depending on your needs. Tight blooms harvested when color first shows suit certain arrangements, while fully open flowers work beautifully in dried compositions. The variety can also be dried by hanging or using silica gel, extending its value beyond the fresh-flower season.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds into 72 to 50-cell flats 2 to 3 weeks prior to planting out. While plants dislike root disturbance, indoor sowing and transplanting can successfully produce early-season sunflowers. Start seeds at approximately 60°F.
Transplant outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed. Handle transplants carefully to minimize root disturbance, as sunflowers are sensitive to being moved.
Direct seed outdoors after the last frost by sowing seeds 1/2 inch deep. Succession-sow every 2 to 3 weeks for continued blooms throughout the season. Succession plantings and planting multiple varieties together extend harvest windows.
Harvest flowers based on your intended use. Cut tight blooms when color first shows for certain arrangements, or wait until flowers are almost completely open depending on market preference and use. For drying, harvest when flowers are completely open, then hang or dry using silica gel.
Pinching branching varieties is recommended to encourage branching and longer stems, especially valuable when growing Henry Wilde for cut flowers.
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