Flower, Morrisville Sunflower
Product Description: (Helianthus annuus)Also known as Aunt Sarah’s, this large, white-seeded sunflower was historically used by the First Nations people of North America for oil extraction, as documented by Samuel de Champlain from his 1615 exploration of the St. Lawrence River and the Northeastern United States. While seed restoration efforts have prevented its extinction thus far, the Morrisville sunflower is still extremely rare. Open-pollinated. 15 seeds per packet. Very limited supply.
Growing Information: Direct seed 2-3 cm (1 inch) deep in full sun after all danger of frost has passed. Space 45 cm (18 inches) apart in rows 60 cm (24 inches) apart. These sunflowers are quite large, growing upwards of 6 feet in height! 85 days to maturity.
How To Save Sunflower Seeds
The most obvious indicator that sunflower seeds are ready to harvest is when the flower head begins to nod downward. This is usually accompanied by the petals and individual blossoms capping off each of the seeds falling off. Sunflower heads are not typically dry at this stage, as the pithy interior has a strong tendency to retain moisture.
Simply cut the sunflower just below the neck and bring indoors to finish drying. If possible, hang them upside down from the rafters in an area with good airflow. Without proper air circulation, the seeds are sure to grow mold in a matter of days. Once loose enough to detach with ease, remove the sunflower seeds and continue drying them by themselves if necessary. Winnow off any remaining chaff then store the seeds in a cool, dry location until needed.
Product Description: (Helianthus annuus)Also known as Aunt Sarah’s, this large, white-seeded sunflower was historically used by the First Nations people of North America for oil extraction, as documented by Samuel de Champlain from his 1615 exploration of the St. Lawrence River and the Northeastern United States. While seed restoration efforts have prevented its extinction thus far, the Morrisville sunflower is still extremely rare. Open-pollinated. 15 seeds per packet. Very limited supply.
Growing Information: Direct seed 2-3 cm (1 inch) deep in full sun after all danger of frost has passed. Space 45 cm (18 inches) apart in rows 60 cm (24 inches) apart. These sunflowers are quite large, growing upwards of 6 feet in height! 85 days to maturity.
How To Save Sunflower Seeds
The most obvious indicator that sunflower seeds are ready to harvest is when the flower head begins to nod downward. This is usually accompanied by the petals and individual blossoms capping off each of the seeds falling off. Sunflower heads are not typically dry at this stage, as the pithy interior has a strong tendency to retain moisture.
Simply cut the sunflower just below the neck and bring indoors to finish drying. If possible, hang them upside down from the rafters in an area with good airflow. Without proper air circulation, the seeds are sure to grow mold in a matter of days. Once loose enough to detach with ease, remove the sunflower seeds and continue drying them by themselves if necessary. Winnow off any remaining chaff then store the seeds in a cool, dry location until needed.
Product Description: (Helianthus annuus)Also known as Aunt Sarah’s, this large, white-seeded sunflower was historically used by the First Nations people of North America for oil extraction, as documented by Samuel de Champlain from his 1615 exploration of the St. Lawrence River and the Northeastern United States. While seed restoration efforts have prevented its extinction thus far, the Morrisville sunflower is still extremely rare. Open-pollinated. 15 seeds per packet. Very limited supply.
Growing Information: Direct seed 2-3 cm (1 inch) deep in full sun after all danger of frost has passed. Space 45 cm (18 inches) apart in rows 60 cm (24 inches) apart. These sunflowers are quite large, growing upwards of 6 feet in height! 85 days to maturity.
How To Save Sunflower Seeds
The most obvious indicator that sunflower seeds are ready to harvest is when the flower head begins to nod downward. This is usually accompanied by the petals and individual blossoms capping off each of the seeds falling off. Sunflower heads are not typically dry at this stage, as the pithy interior has a strong tendency to retain moisture.
Simply cut the sunflower just below the neck and bring indoors to finish drying. If possible, hang them upside down from the rafters in an area with good airflow. Without proper air circulation, the seeds are sure to grow mold in a matter of days. Once loose enough to detach with ease, remove the sunflower seeds and continue drying them by themselves if necessary. Winnow off any remaining chaff then store the seeds in a cool, dry location until needed.
