Name: Helianthus maximiliani (Maximilian Sunflower) [15 Seeds]
SKU: 27949
Price: 4.25 USD
Availability: InStock

Helianthus maximiliani (Maximilian Sunflower) [15 Seeds]

$4.25

Germination Information: I recommend these seeds only for gardeners who have experience with seeds that benefit from or require a chilling period. The easiest approach is to sow the seeds in a pot, about 1/4 inch deep, in fall to midwinter, setting them outdoors in a spot protected from mice so they can get a natural chilling period and then germinate when conditions are right in spring. (The last time I started this species from seed, I sowed outdoors on January 31 and they began sprouting on March 1.)

If you sow after February, give the pot an artificial chilling period of about a month.

It’s possible that these seeds could germinate if you start them in warm, moist conditions. But if you don’t see any sprouts after about 3 weeks, then try the artificial chilling period.

Note that this information will not appear on the seed packet you receive.

Please read the description as well before ordering.

In stock

Description

If you’re looking for late-season color and have room for a super-sized perennial, Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) is worth considering. It generally blooms here (southeastern PA) in October, starting just as sawtooth sunflower (H. grosseserratus) is finishing. The two species look similar, with single, bright yellow, daisy-form flowers, but Maximilian sunflower has grayish green leaves. It can easily reach to 8 feet or even more by bloom time, particularly in rich, moist soil. (I tried cutting my plants back by about a third in July to control their height, but they still reached about 7 feet tall.) I expect they would be somewhat shorter and likely much sturdier in drier conditions they are naturally adapted to. The plants spread by rhizomes to form broad patches. Their proportions make them best suited to large gardens or meadow plantings. Like other perennial sunflowers, the flowers of this species are a marvelous pollen and nectar source for a wide range of insect visitors, and birds adore the seeds. (My goldfinches haunt the plants and eat most of the seeds before I can get them!) Native to central North America. Full sun. Perennial; Zones 3 to 9.

Collected in mid October 2022. At least 15 seeds.

Please read the germination information as well before ordering.

About Hayefield Seeds

Ordering Information

Shipping Information

Shipping Restrictions

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy