Thumbnail Filmstrip of Helianthus mollis - Downy Sunflower Images
Spreading by rhizomes, the tough Downy Sunflower forms dense colonies in the poor, dry or stony soils where it naturally occurs.
This rarely seen sunflower has soft, gray-green leaves and produces an abundance of large, buttercup-yellow flowers for many weeks in the late summer.
The strong stems of Helianthus mollis serve as perches for the goldfinches that flock to eat the seeds which are highly prized by many
other birds as well.
Due to its rhizomatic spreading tendency this wildflower is best sown in large, open areas and is not recommended for small gardens.
Colour: Blooms: Light: Height: Soil: Water:
Yellow
Late Summer
Full Sun
2' - 4'
Sand to Loam
Dry
Approx. 40 seeds per pack - 247 seeds per gram
Attracts Butterflies & Songbirds!
Deer Resistant!
Makes Great Cut Flowers!
Juglone Tolerant!
All Wildflower Farm seeds are hardy through growing zone 3, organic and non-GMO.
SEED GERMINATION INFO
Indoors:
Cold, moist stratification. Start at least 5 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are reliably in the 10 C (50 F) range. Mix the seed with a slightly moistened,
sterile, soil-less growing mix. Put this in a labelled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator for one day. The next day place this in the freezer for one day.
Repeat this for one week, alternating between the fridge and the freezer. After stratifying, plant seed 0.32 cm (1/8 inch) deep in pots. Keep moist but not soggy and
very warm (21 C - 70 F). When seedlings are 5 cm (2 inches) tall or more, transplant into the garden spaced 30 cm (1 foot) apart.
Outdoors:
Plant seed 0.32 cm (1/8 inch) deep in a prepared seed bed in late fall so that the seed overwinters and germinates naturally in spring.
Outdoors Alternative:
In late fall through to mid-winter fill plastic pots with a slightly moistened, sterile, soil-less growing mix. Plant seed 0.32 cm (1/8 inch) deep in pots and label
the pots. Place them outdoors in an area where they will experience the snow and cold of winter. The seed will germinate in the pots in spring as the weather warms up.
Be sure to water the pots regularly in spring and once the plants are 5 cm (2 inches) tall, transplant them into your garden.
