ID a tall sunflower

A friend dug up and gave me some volunteer sunflowers, two months ago. They went from 6" to 11 or 12', and are blooming with clear, medium yellow petals and a dark center. Side branches are developing well at all leaf nodes. The flower is not as big as Mammoth, maybe 8". I don't have a camera or I would send a picture. He calls it Russian Sunflower. Is that the right name? And what can anyone tell me about its growth habits? I am wondering if it would be an even better plant if I cut the top off before it starts to bud, if I grow it again next year - or even replant this year!

Thanks! Peter

Without a photo I cant be sure it is Russian, but I believe their is one called Russian Mammoth.

I am a wildlife friend, and owuld leave the flower head on and allow it to go to seed.

Leave the seed head on and let the birdies have their with it.

"Sunflower: Mammoth Stock #: HSF6092 Price: $1.29
Annual -- Height 6 to 9 feet

Large single Sunflower bearing lots of seeds for wild bird feeding. Golden yellow petals. Excellent for background, screening and largest sunflower contests. Children love the size of this plant. Very impressive...!

SOWING ... Plant seed outdoors after all danger of frost is past.

Sunflowers do not transplant very well. Plant in rows 24 inches apart, spacing seed 3 to 6 inches in the row. Cover seeds with 1/2 inch of fine soil, well pressed down.

THINNING ... When plants are 2 to 3 inches high, thin to 18 inches apart for screening or 24 inches apart in rows or beds.

GERMINATION ... Germinates in 7 to 10 days depending on soil and weather conditions.

REMARKS ... As their name implies, sunflowers require plenty of sunshine.

http://www.yankeegardener.com/seeds/hartseed21.html

Thanks, Lavanda, for the hyperlink on the Russian Mammoth. I wrote the seed company, because they list it at the top of their page, but do not give a description when one scrolls down.

I agree with you about leaving the seeds for the birds. My interest in this variety is that there is a new branch with flower at every leaf node. So, it may be possible to produce more vigorous flowering, on a bushier (and maybe wind resistant) plant, if one tops it at maybe 6 or 8 feet.

Again, thanks for your help. The site you sent also list a dwarf, that looks marvelous, big flowers only a foot tall. Next year!

Peter