Sunflower (Hulled Kernels)
Helianthus annuus • Asteraceae
🌱 Seed Category
Flower / Grain / Oilseed
🌍 Origin Region
North America; widely adapted to temperate and subtropical regions globally.
📅 Days to Maturity
80-120 days depending on variety and environmental conditions.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-11; grown as a summer annual in most climates.
About This Seed
Seeds are teardrop-shaped kernels, light tan to grayish-white, smooth texture, roughly 10-15mm in length. The resulting plant is a tall, fast-growing annual with large, coarse, heart-shaped leaves and a thick hairy stem, topped by a large composite yellow flower head.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Direct sow in late spring or summer after the last frost; requires warm soil.
Germination
Takes 7-14 days at 70-85°F (21-29°C). Light is not required for germination. High germination rate in well-drained soil.
Planting Instructions
Planting depth: 1 inch (note: hulled seeds are more fragile). Spacing: 6-12 inches apart. Prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (6-8+ hours daily). Moderate water needs; once established, plants are relatively drought-tolerant but need regular watering during flowering.
Companion Plants
Beneficial: Corn, Beans, Squash. Avoid: Potatoes and Pole Beans, as sunflowers produce allelopathic chemicals that can inhibit their growth.
Special Characteristics
Highly pollinator-friendly (bees and butterflies), edible seeds, attracts birds, heat tolerant, and known for phytoremediation (extracting toxins from soil).