Shock-O-Lat – (F1) Sunflower Seed

New! Chocolate-and-gold bicolor.
Rich, chocolatey blooms brushed with gold. Tall, vigorous plants produce multiple cuts of 4–6"-wide flowers on 12–24" stems. Some variation in bloom color within the variety. Beautiful color combination for late-summer and fall bouquets. Branching plants. Pollenless. Ht. 64–76". Avg. 500 seeds/oz. Packet: 50 seeds.
DAYS TO GERMINATION: 7-14 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C)
SOWING: Direct seed (recommended) – After last frost, sow ½" deep. Transplant – Sow into 72 to 50-cell flats 2-3 weeks prior to planting out. Plants dislike root disturbance but sowing indoors and then transplanting the first crop outdoors can be a successful way to get first-early sunflowers. Pinching branching varieties is recommended to encourage branching and longer stems. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks and/or plant multiple varieties for continued harvest.
LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.
PLANT HEIGHT: Varies.
PLANT SPACING: 18-24".
HARDINESS ZONES: Annual.
HARVEST: Flowers can be harvested tight, when color first shows, or when almost completely open, depending on your market and preferred use. Dried – Flowers are completely open. Hang or use silica gel.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Light, well-drained soil. Excessive nitrogen may cause plants to grow too vigorously with abnormal flower shapes.
USES: Excellent cut flower. Single stem sunflowers can make a beautiful and reliable display in the garden but please note that they will only provide one bloom form each plant.
NOTES: Flower size and stem diameter are controlled by plant spacing, temperature, soil type, and day length. For early and late season production, select varieties that are day-length neutral or are noted as suitable for flowering under short days.