Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Black Oil Sunflower is an heirloom variety that is praised for its high-quality seeds that can be used for planting, bird feed or microgreen seeds. These plants will produce one stunning yellow flower each and can reach an average of 5 to 6 feet tall. Their brilliant flower heads will move to face the sun throughout the day, hence the name Sunflower. The seeds of the Black Oil Sunflower contain a high level of oil and fat, making them great to use for chicken feed, bird seed, or eaten as a snack for yourself.
NAME: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
VARIETY: Black Oil
DAYS TO MATURITY: 50 – 60 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Annual
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 2 – 12
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL: Average, loose soil with a pH 6.0 – 6.8
PLANT HEIGHT: 60 – 72 inches
SPACING: 8 – 12 inches apart
TEMP: 65 – 95ºF
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Starting Black Oil Sunflower Seeds indoors is not recommended due to their size and rapid growth.
If you choose to start your sunflower seeds indoors, plant the seeds in biodegradable pots filled with seed-starting mix, placing them about 1 inch deep.
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide plenty of light, either by using grow lights or placing them in a sunny windowsill.
Transplant the seedlings outdoors once they have developed a few sets of true leaves and the soil has
Once all threat of frost has passed and soil temps are above 50ºF direct seed into a prepared garden bed or pot.
Direct sow the seeds 1 inch deep, 2 inches apart, in rows spaced 12 inches apart.
Keep soil consistently moist until germination occurs in 6 to 9 days.
When seedlings emerge, thin them out to one every 6 inches.
When seedlings reach 10 inches in height, reduce watering to a heavy watering every other day.
Use a stake to support the plants if they begin to get top heavy and droop over.
Sunflowers do not like to be transplanted due to their delicate roots, so it is always recommended to direct seed outdoors.
Sunflowers must receive 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day, so ensure to choose a sunny location.
Prepare your garden bed or pot with fertile, loose, and well draining soil that contains rich, organic matter and compost.
Sunflowers are best planted in an area sheltered from heavy winds to avoid them toppling over; popular choices are alongside barns, houses, or fences.
To harvest the seeds, allow the flowers to reach full maturity until the whole flower dries out and turns brown; you can then cut the heads off the plant and allow to cure for 1 week.
Once fully dried, lay flower head flat on a surface and rub the seeds loose.
The seeds of the Black Oil Sunflower are great for snacking, bird seed or making oil.
