Early Black Heart, (F1) Sunflower Seeds

Early Black Heart (F1) Sunflower Seed

Orange petals surround a bold near-black heart
Seven-to-eight-inch blooms provide classic high-contrast drama
Direct sowing produces vigorous five-to-six-foot plants
A strong choice for cutting gardens and tall borders

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Helianthus annuus

Days to maturity

55 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

25 Seeds

About Early Black Heart, (F1) Sunflower Seed, Sunflower Seed

The Early Black Heart F1 Sunflower is an early, large, 100% pollen-less variety that is bound to catch your eye in the wind. This sunflower is Zohar's stunning, pale orange big brother! The 5-6 feet tall variety produces medium 7-8 inch heads with black faces. Direct sow, as transplanting is not recommended.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/2"

Days to Germination

4–10 days

Germination Type

A - No Pretreatment

In-row plant spacing

18-30"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

60 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

313

Color

Yellow

Seed Type

Hybrid

Before Planting

Prepare for Sunflower by selecting a full-sun, warm site with fertile, well-drained soil and good air circulation. Incorporate compost and adjust nutrients and pH according to a soil test, avoiding excessive nitrogen. Wait until frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed; harden transplants and install supports before planting when the crop requires them.

Planting

Direct sow sunflowers after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed to at least about 50–60°F. Keep the seedbed evenly moist until emergence. Sunflowers generally establish best where they will grow, though indoor starts may be used briefly in individual pots. Thin crowded seedlings after true leaves form and make succession sowings for extended bloom.

Watering

Water sunflower regularly until established, then irrigate deeply only when the soil becomes dry. Avoid frequent shallow watering and saturated conditions, which encourage weak growth or root disease.

Fertilizer

Support sunflower with modest balanced nutrition after establishment, but skip additional feeding when plants remain vigorous. Avoid heavy nitrogen, which can suppress blooming.

Harvesting

Cut sunflower blooms when petals begin opening and the disk is still tight. For edible seed, leave heads until backs yellow and seeds become plump, then cut and finish drying under protection from birds.

Tips

Stake tall or branching sunflowers in windy locations. Protect ripening seed heads from birds with breathable netting or bags, and make succession sowings when an extended flowering period is desired.

AVG. Seeding Rate

200–300 seeds/100' row

Pests & Diseases

Downy mildew, rust, Sclerotinia stalk or head rot, Verticillium wilt, and Phomopsis stem canker affect sunflowers. Choose resistant hybrids, rotate away from susceptible broadleaf crops, and avoid dense stands. Remove volunteer sunflowers and do not save seed from moldy heads or plants with stalk decay.

Sunflower moths, beetles, cutworms, aphids, birds, and squirrels may damage plants or seed heads. Scout buds and leaves, handpick insects, and protect ripening heads with breathable barriers.