Sunflower Seeds - Moonwalker
(Helianthus annuus) Annual. 65-70 days to maturity.
We love sunflowers and this one is pretty lovely!
Moonwalker sunflower (aka Giant Primrose) stands elegantly at 8-12ft in height. It features a multitude of pale yellow flowers with dark brown centres on each stem.
Great for your garden backdrop.
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Growth Habit: Upright growth to 8-12 feet height; flowering side branches surround the main stem; flowers 4-5” diameter.
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil
When to Plant: Direct seed after last frost OR start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date. *If direct seeding, watch for slugs. They LOVE sunflower sprouts.
How to Plant:
Direct sow: sow seeds ½” deep, cover with soil and water well; 14-18 days to germination; thin young plants to 1-2 feet apart.
Transplant: sow seeds indoors ½” deep in individual pots or divided trays; transplant seedlings outdoors after last frost, spacing them 1-2 feet apart.
When to Harvest: Flowers arrive in late Summer and are ready to harvest when they are nearly fully open.
How to Harvest: Cut flowering branches from the central stem.
Uses: Moonwalker is an excellent cut flower. Sunflower petals are edible and make beautiful additions to salads, sauces and desserts. Try toasting sunflower seeds for a tasty snack. Dried sunflower petals can also be used in homemade body care products, such as soap and bath salts. In the garden, plants provide nectar and habitat to pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds.
