Sunflower – Chocolate Cherry – Helianthus annuus

Annual – These delectable new sunflowers have rich chocolate-burgundy ray petals that surround dark chocolate center discs. With their beautifully shaped, velvety petals and mouthwatering rich colors, Chocolate Cherry sunflowers are a joy to behold. These special sunflowers are stunning for indoor bouquets and they are standouts in the garden. Chocolate Cherry’s beautiful flowers are also pollenless, so they have a longer, cleaner vase life.

Soil & Water:Make several sowings 3 weeks apart to have a succession of bloom. Keep soil moist and well-weeded and protect seedlings from hungry birds with netting or plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. No extra amendment is needed unless soil is poor and could benefit from a pelleted, slow release balanced fertilizer.

Planting & Growing:To Plant Outdoors: Plant in full sun in good garden soil when weather is warm and settled both day and night and all danger of frost has passed. Poke seeds into well-worked soil 1/2″ deep and 4 – 5″ apart. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist until germination in 8 – 10 days. Thin to 12″ apart so plants have ample room to grow. To Start Indoors: Several weeks before the last frost date, sow seeds 1/2″ deep in individual pots of well-drained seed starting mix. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outside when seedlings are large enough to handle. When weather has warmed into the 50F range, transplant 12″ apart in full sun, disturbing the roots as little as possible.

Soil Temperature: above 50F
Planting Depth: 1/2″
Germination: 8-10 Days
Height At Maturity: 6-7 feet
Sun/Shade: Full Sun
Spacing After Thinning: 12″
Approx Seeds per Pack: 45-50 Seeds