Helianthus, Annual Sunflower, Common Sunflower 'Mammoth Grey Stripe'

From your friends at Botanical Interests: This giant sunflower is an heirloom that has been grown in gardens since the late 1800's. The ...Read Moreplants can reach 6'-10' tall with flowers as large as 12" across. The tree-like plants are excellent for an annual hedge or privacy screen, and the seeds make great snacks for birds or humans. To save the seeds for your own consumption, hang the mature flower heads in a cool, dry place for 3-4 weeks. Once established, these sunflowers tolerate both drought and poor soil. A fast-growing, fun variety for kids!

This sunflower is a kids' delight! They are very easy to grow and get very tall (ours were over 10') and have a thick stalk with a single...Read More huge flower head. The flower heads droop down and have a tendency to recurve as the seeds mature. The birds liked the smaller flowered sunflowers with tiny seeds much better than this brute, but the kids wouldn't trade if for any other.

Given rich soil, lots of sun, and plenty of water, this sunflower will perform beautifully. The only drawback we've found is that the se...Read Moreeds have a slight fuzz, so they're not as pleasing to the tongue to eat!