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Sunflower 'Gold & Silver'
Sunflower 'Gold & Silver'
Seed Packet

Sunflower 'Gold & Silver'

Helianthus argophyllus
Gray-green felted leaves, soft as a kitten's ear, make this sunflower a standout in the garden. The four-inch wide golden ray flowers with chocolate centers bloom in summer on a multi-branched plant. Fall will bring goldfinches that swoop about the garden devouring the ripe seeds. A variety of Helianthus argophyllus called 'Texas Silver Queen' was listed in an 1897 catalog!
SKU #S1159
$3.55
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
49
Lifecycle
Annual
Annual Hardiness
Half Hardy Annual
Mature Size
5' h x 1.5-2' w
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Regular to rich, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Yellow blossoms with distinct silver foliage
Features
Great Cut Flower
Heat or Drought Tolerant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
Attracts Beneficial Insects
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
1/4"
Sprout Time:
5-14 days
Seed To Bloom:
12-14 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Not recommended, as sunflowers grow very quickly and do best planted directly.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow after last frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Sunflower's full heads of bloom follow the sun, an attribute called heliotropism. Be sure to plant them where they receive a full day of sun, spaced well apart. Water infrequently but deeply once established to encourage vigorous, deeply rooted plants that can withstand summer storms. Plant in back borders in informal cottage gardens, at the edge of vegetable gardens, or as a leafy and flower-filled hedge, where it attracts butterflies, bees, and birds and can be easily cut for bouquets.
Final Spacing:
2-2.5'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
About 1" of water per week, though they will tolerate some dryness.
Soil pH:
Acidic to neutral
Fertilizer:
Add 2" of compost and mix in prior to planting. Once established one application of a low nitrogen organic fertilizer is beneficial.
Diseases & Pests:
Space well apart for increased air circulation to discourage foliar disease that may develop in wet weather. Spray organic fungicides if needed. Remove crop residues after the season is over and rotate crops.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when flowers start to open.