Autumn Beauty - Out of StockAutumn Beauty contains an impressive mixture of bright yellow, orange, bronze and purple shadows on 8"-9" (20-22.5 cm) flowers that will produce blooms on the many branches from summer until fall. This variety will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to its nectar-rich blooms. With sturdy stems and striking petal colors, Autumn Beauty is exceptional in bouquets and makes a great addition to the cutting garden. Culture: the small seeds should be planted 6" (15 cm) apart in deeply dug soil to accommodate the roots which need plenty of space. Fertile soil will produce the best plants. They grow in most any soil with good drainage. Seed Saving: To save the seeds, cover the heads with a protective fabric covering such as cheesecloth to discourage the birds and squirrels. As the heads ripen, they will drop their petals; the back of the head will turn from green to brown, and the seeds will develop a hard coating. Cut the heads, leaving several inches of stem. Hang them to dry in a protected, well ventilated area. Remove the seeds by gently rubbing the dried heads. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place. Notes:
Chocolate CherryThis stunning variety has beautiful deep chocolate-burgundy petals with a dark brown center. Flowers will grow up to 6-7' tall or can be harvested early for cut flowers. This variety has a longer life once cut because of its minimal pollen content, which makes them ideal for bouquets. Harvesting: For cut flowers, harvest sunflower blooms when the petals begin to open. Cut the stems early in the morning and place them in a water container to prolong the vase's life. Seed Saving: To harvest the seeds, cut the heads off after the stalks are quite dry but before fall or winter rains come. Check the flower heads for maturity to see if the florets in the center of the flower disk have shriveled and the back of the flower head is turning yellow, or the head is starting to droop. Cut flower-heads with a foot of the stalk attached. Hang heads in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place so the seeds may fully ripen and dry. Cheesecloth, netting or a paper bag with holes punched in for ventilation should be placed over the head to protect the seeds and to collect those that may drop from drying. Notes:
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Giant Gray StripeThis is the traditional single stem giant Russian sunflower that grows to at least five feet in height, but often much higher averaging 8' (240 cm). The blooms are typically over a foot wide and follow the sun's direction all day. The broad heavy flowers develop a large quantity of seeds, and act as "living bird feeders". Culture: Plant these big seeds 6" apart in soil that is deeply dug. Thin to 2' (60 cm) apart. the roots need plenty of space Seed Saving: To save the seeds, cover the heads with a protective fabric covering such as cheesecloth to discourage the birds and squirrels. As the heads ripen, they will drop their petals; the back of the head will turn from green to brown, and the seeds will develop a hard coating. Cut the heads, leaving several inches of stem. Hang them to dry in a protected, well ventilated area. Remove the seeds by gently rubbing the dried heads. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place. Notes:
MammothGiant blossoms 12-14 inches in diameter with a stem that rivals many trees! This is a beautiful plant that will make anyone smile when they see it. Flowers chase the sun, attract butterflies and bees, and yield delicious edible seeds. After the growing season, stems can be used for crafts when dried. Very low maintenance. Will reach up to 5-12 feet in height!
Harvesting: For cut flowers, harvest sunflower blooms when the petals begin to open. Cut the stems early in the morning and place them in a water container to prolong the vase's life. Seed Saving: To harvest the seeds, cut the heads off after the stalks are quite dry but before fall or winter rains come. Check the flower heads for maturity to see if the florets in the center of the flower disk have shriveled and the back of the flower head is turning yellow, or the head is starting to droop. Cut flower-heads with a foot of the stalk attached. Hang heads in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place so the seeds may fully ripen and dry. Cheesecloth, netting or a paper bag with holes punched in for ventilation should be placed over the head to protect the seeds and to collect those that may drop from drying. Notes:
Tips:
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CategoriesFDL Seed Library
The FDL Seed Library is a collection of open-pollinated and heirloom seeds that you can borrow to plant and grow at home. By saving seeds as a community we help create local seed stocks that are better acclimated to our climate and which support an abundant and genetically diverse landscape.
We ask that seeds are “returned” by harvesting seeds from a plant or two that you grow. Donated seeds will help to add diversity to our collection. Archives
March 2022
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