Firecracker Sunflower
Helianthus annuus

days to maturity: 55 days
plant spacing: 1 plant per square foot
sunlight requirements: 6-14 hours
look out for: beetles and cut worms
harvest notes: harvest before completely open
annual

This summer while exploring farm operations through the Hudson Valley, we noticed a few farms growing heavily branching sunflower varieties. The purpose of this was so unopened flower buds could be harvested and sold to specialty chefs. Sunflowers grow very well here in South Florida, and are native to the Americas, so we thought we would give it a try and invite you all along on the journey! This particular variety is compact, growing to only 30 inches tall. Heavily branching, multiple flowers and buds can be harvested from one plant. Did you know they also track the sun? Who doesn’t love a sunflower!