Chocolate Cherry Sunflower Seeds
When should I plant
Chocolate Cherry Sunflowers are warm-season annuals. Plant them in spring after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 55°F. They thrive in warm conditions and cannot tolerate frost.Sunflowers are sensitive to root disturbance, recommend direct sowing instead of transplanting.
Site consideration
Choose a location with full sun (6-8 hours daily) and well-draining soil. Sunflowers prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-7.5) but tolerate a wide range. Avoid waterlogged or highly alkaline soils.
Water
Water deeply 1-2 times per week, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues. Drought-tolerant once established, but consistent moisture supports larger blooms.
Sunlight
Requires full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Less sunlight results in weaker stems and smaller flowers.
Seed Germination
Seeds germinate best in warm soil (70-78°F) within 7-14 days. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and keep soil moist but not soggy during germination.
Seeding Rate
½-1 ounce seeds cover 100 square feet.
Other Elements
Fertilization
Sunflowers are heavy feeders. Work compost into soil to enrich nutrients before planting. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage over flowers. A balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) can be applied at planting if soil is poor.
Weed control
Mulch with straw or wood chips to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Hand-pull weeds near shallow roots carefully. Sunflowers’ dense foliage eventually shades out competitors.
Seed Storage
The seeds will maintain a high germination percentage if stored under proper conditions. How long your seeds remain viable will depend on the temperature and moisture levels the seeds are exposed to. Seeds which are improperly stored will quickly deteriorate if unprotected against high humidity and dramatic temperature fluctuations day after day.
For best results, keep the seed in our moisture-proof ziplock sealing bags, which provide a better moisture prevention effect. Glass jar or plastic containers with snap-on lids works well too, add a packet of desiccant before sealing into the seed, such as silica gel to remove any moisture remains in the storage container. Seed stored under these conditions will remain viable for as long as years.
Factors Which commonly Cause Poor Results
1. Improper drainage soil
2. Sowing depth more than one inch
3. Covering the seed too deep beneath the soil surface
4. Cover a large area with a small amount of seed.
5. Plant at a wrong time of a year
6. Lack of sunlight
7. Inadequate rainfall after seed germination. The area should not be allowed to become completely dry. Supplemental watering may be required to sustain plant life.
8. Extreme weather conditions: hail, drought, excessive rainfall, floods, unseasonably cold temperatures.