Western Sunflower Helianthus occidentalis

Easy

Starting indoors 

Sow seeds about 4 weeks before last frost date. Plant about 1/2 inch deep, lightly cover with soil and moisten. Harden off seeds before transplanting outdoors

Direct sowing in garden: 

Plant directly into ground after last frost date, usually two seeds per hole

Easy

Sunflower head must be completely dry and brown, best to dry the stem but you can also cut off the head and place it upside down in a brown paper bag to capture seeds

🌅 Outdoors
Preferred conditions

🏠 Indoors 

Make sure to have a container with good drainage

☀️ Full Sun

• Temps: 🌡️ Prefers warmer weather, between 70 to 78 F. Can tolerate higher heat if moisture needs are met

• Hardiness Zones: 🗺️ 3 to 9 (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map - Michigan)

• Humidity: 🌫️Can tolerate high humidity if moisture and air circulation needs are met

• Water Conditions: 💧 Tolerant of dry conditions. Watering does promote blooming. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings

• pH: 🧪 Acidic to neutral to alkaline

• Soil conditions: 🌱 Well-drained dry to meidum. Tolerates sandy, humusy loams, and clay soils

Early to mid summer

Less aggressive spreader than other sunflower species