How2Day: Non-Hybrid Sunflower Seeds

Sunflowers are easy to grow and come in a wide variety of colors. Frank Lukasseck/Polka Dot/Getty Images
Radiant sunflowers are one of America's indigenous crops that has been cultivated by Native Americans for over 8,000 years, according to Sherry Rindels of the Iowa State University Extension. A wide variety of colors and heights are available to the home gardener. Most commercial sunflower seeds are hybrids, however, the varieties listed here are heirlooms and produce seedlings true to the parent plant. All sunflowers are annuals and new seeds need to be planted yearly.

The Teddy Bear sunflower has 3- to 6-inch flowers with densely packed petals. sunflower image by Rinus van Schajik from Fotolia.com
A densely packed head of petals best describes the orange-yellow Teddy Bear sunflower. Growing to only 3 feet high, the Teddy Bear sunflowers produce 3- to 6- inch flower heads. They are the perfect size for container gardening.

The flower of the Mammoth Russian can reach 14 inches in diameter. sunflower image by Lucid_Exposure from Fotolia.com
The Mammoth Russian sunflower is an heirloom that was introduced to the market in the 1880s. It is a giant, reaching heights up to 12 feet. Its large, 14 inch orange-yellow flowers provide an abundance of nutrient-rich seed. Mammoth Russian is a favorite common variety and seeds can be found at local garden centers.

Elegant best describes the Lemon Queen with her lemon-yellow petals and dark brown center. Growing to 8 feet tall, the Lemon Queen produces multiple flowers all along the central stalk and side shoots. It is a favorite seed of birds and butterflies. The Lemon Queen grows best when planted 24 inches apart.

For a bit of contrast in the sunflower garden, try the fiery maroon red blossoms of Red Sun. This variety is great to grow in front of the taller varieties as it grows to only 4 feet tall. Blossoms are 4 to 5 inches in diameter. Shorter varieties of sunflower do better than tall varieties in windy areas.

Truly a native, Tarahumara sunflowers acquire their name from the Native American tribe that is known for growing them. It is an unusual variety, with white seeds. Sunny yellow flower heads grow to 9 inches in diameter on stalks ranging to 8 feet tall.

White sunflowers look striking in the garden and the Italian sunflower is no exception. Sporting creamy white petals and chocolate colored centers, the Italian sunflower produces a profusion of 4 inch blooms. It is an old heirloom variety that grows to 4 feet tall.

Of all sunflowers, Irish Eyes is one of the shortest plants at only 2 1/2 feet tall. Lemony petals with light green centers are the highlight of this petite sunflower that bears a profusion of blossoms. This is another sunflower variety that is great to grow in containers.

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