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Classic Gold Sunflower is the iconic sunflower everyone envisions: a golden-yellow hybrid with a cheerful yellow-green heart that reaches 60 to 72 inches tall and flowers in 60 to 69 days. Bred as an F1 hybrid and grown ornamentally, this Helianthus annuus variety thrives across hardiness zones 2 through 11, making it accessible to gardeners nearly everywhere. Its reputation as a flawless cut flower means you'll be admiring armfuls of blooms indoors and out, turning heads at dinner tables and in garden beds alike.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
72in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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Golden-yellow petals surrounding a sunny yellow-green center make Classic Gold instantly recognizable and deeply satisfying to grow. The F1 hybrid genetics ensure reliable, vigorous plants that produce exhibition-quality blooms suited to cutting within two months of sowing. At 60 to 72 inches, these upright plants command attention in the garden without requiring staking in most conditions, and their moderate water needs and full-sun preference make them straightforward even for newer gardeners.
Classic Gold Sunflower is grown primarily as an ornamental cut flower. Its large, unblemished blooms with golden petals and chartreuse centers are treasured for fresh arrangements, bringing that unmistakable sunflower presence into homes and appearing regularly on dinner tables as a centerpiece statement.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date in seed-starting mix, maintaining soil temperatures between 50 and 75°F for reliable germination. Transplant seedlings outdoors only after the danger of frost has fully passed and soil has warmed.
Harden off seedlings by exposing them gradually to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before transplanting. Move plants to full sun and well-draining soil with pH 6.0 to 7.5 once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F and all frost risk is gone. Space plants 12 inches apart with 14 inches between rows.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperature reaches 50°F or warmer. Plant seeds at the depth indicated on your seed packet and water gently to keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge.
Harvest Classic Gold Sunflowers when the blooms are fully open and petals have unfurled completely, typically 55 to 70 days after sowing. For cut flowers, cut stems in the early morning using a sharp knife, leaving several inches of stem below the flower head. Change the vase water every two to three days and remove any lower leaves that would sit below the waterline to extend vase life.
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