Cut Flower
Procut Red Sunflower is a striking F1 hybrid that produces abundant 4, 6 inch blooms in deep red with contrasting brown centers, ready to harvest in just 50, 60 days. This bush-form variety was bred specifically for cut flower production, making it equally at home in a vase arrangement or garden display. Its compact growth habit and rapid maturity make it an ideal choice for gardeners wanting bold color without the sprawl of traditional tall sunflowers.
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Moderate
2-11
?in H x ?in W
Perennial
High
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What sets Procut Red apart is its deliberate breeding for the cut flower market, these aren't accidental bloomers, but flowers engineered to perform in a vase. The deep-red petals against brown disks create striking color contrast that photographs beautifully and holds its appeal whether you harvest early or let blooms fully open. The 50, 60 day timeline means you can succession-plant every couple of weeks for continuous color all season, and the compact bush form fits easily into beds and borders without dominating the space.
Procut Red Sunflower excels as a cut flower for fresh arrangements and dried bouquets. The blooms can be harvested at different stages depending on your preference, tight when color first shows, partially open, or fully open, giving you flexibility in how you use them. For drying, wait until flowers are completely open, then hang them or use silica gel to preserve their vivid color.
Sow seeds into 72 to 50-cell flats 2–3 weeks before your intended transplant date. While these plants dislike root disturbance, starting indoors can work for your first crop if you handle seedlings gently during transplanting. Sow at the same depth as direct seeding.
Move seedlings outdoors after the last frost date. Handle transplants carefully to minimize root disturbance, as sunflowers are sensitive to root injury.
Direct seed is the recommended method. After your last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep directly into garden soil. Succession-sow every 1–2 weeks for a continuous supply of blooms throughout the season.
Cut flowers are ready to harvest 50, 60 days after sowing. You have flexibility in when to pick: harvest tight when color first appears for a longer vase life, cut when partially open for an intermediate stage, or wait until blooms are nearly or fully open depending on your arrangement style. For drying, allow flowers to open completely on the plant, then cut and hang them or use silica gel to preserve their color.
Do not pinch the growing tips of Procut Red. This F1 hybrid is bred for single-stem production, and pinching will result in low-quality blooms or complete flower failure. The bush habit means minimal pruning is needed beyond removing any damaged or diseased growth.
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