Mexican Sunflower Seeds,
Arcadian Blend

Plant your sunflowers in late spring, after all chance of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 50 F. It's important to wait until all risk of frost is gone because sunflowers are highly frost-sensitive. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Sow seeds directly outdoors, as sunflowers dislike transplanting due to their long taproots. Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep. Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them out to about 18-24 inches apart to provide enough space for each plant to grow. Keep the soil moist during germination but not soggy.

Mexican Arcadian Blend sunflowers require full sun and regular deep watering to promote strong root systems. Fertilize lightly to enhance growth, but be careful not to over-fertilize, which can lead to weaker stems. Support taller plants with stakes, especially in windy locations. These sunflowers bloom from summer into early fall and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

• When petals die back and heads begin to dry and turn brown, place a paper bag over the heads to protect seeds from birds.
• After a few days, the heads will dry to a dark brown. Bring the heads indoors and hang them upside down in a dry area in direct sunlight for up to a week, shaking seeds free each day.
• Store seeds in a cool, dark, dry place.