Heirloom sunflowers are a popular choice among gardeners and sunflower enthusiasts. They are known for their unique and striking appearance and are perfect for adding a touch of color and character to your garden. Here is an extensive list of heirloom sunflower seeds and where to buy them.
What are Heirloom Sunflower Seeds?
Heirloom sunflower seeds are open-pollinated seeds that have been cultivated for generations. They are often grown from seeds that are at least 50 years old and are carefully selected for their desirable traits.
Heirloom sunflower seeds have been passed down through generations of gardeners and farmers and have become a beloved staple in many gardens. These seeds are valued for their unique colors, sizes, shapes, and ability to produce a bountiful harvest.
Unlike hybrid seeds, which are selectively pollinated, heirloom seeds are passed down naturally through open pollination.
As a result, heirloom sunflower seeds often produce hardier plants and are more adaptable to different growing conditions, and their seeds can be saved and planted again.
Benefits of Heirloom Sunflower Seeds
There are several benefits to growing heirloom sunflowers, including:
- Diversity: Heirloom sunflowers come in various colors, sizes, and shapes, making them a good choice for gardeners who want to add a touch of uniqueness to their gardens.
- Sustainability: Heirloom seeds are often more sustainable than hybrid seeds because they can be saved and replanted year after year. This makes them great for gardeners interested in preserving biodiversity and reducing environmental impact.
- Taste: Some heirloom sunflower seeds, like the Russian Mammoth variety, are also edible and have a delicious nutty flavor. They can be roasted or used in recipes, making them a great addition to your kitchen.
Popular Heirloom Sunflower Varieties
There are many popular heirloom sunflower seeds available today. Here are just a few types:
- Russian Mammoth – The Russian Mammoth is one of the most popular heirloom sunflowers. It can grow up to 12 feet tall and produces large, edible seeds.
- Velvet Queen – The Velvet Queen sunflower produces deep red blooms that add color to any garden.
- Italian White – The Italian White sunflower produces stunning white blooms with dark centers. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and is famous for gardeners who want to add elegance.
- Soraya – The Soraya sunflower produces medium-sized blooms in a bright yellow color. It is a popular choice for growers who want to attract bees and other pollinators to their gardens.
- Fantazja Sunflower – Fantazja sunflowers are a stunning variety that produces large, golden-yellow blooms. These sunflowers can grow up to six feet tall and are perfect for adding height to your garden.
Colorful Sunflowers
- Black Beauty Sunflower Seeds – Black beauty sunflowers are a unique and striking variety that produces dark, almost black blooms. These sunflowers are perfect for adding a touch of drama to your garden.
- Crimson Queen Sunflower – Crimson queen sunflowers are a beautiful variety that produces vibrant, deep-red blooms. These sunflowers can grow up to six feet tall and are perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden.
- Purple Sunflower Varieties – If you’re looking for something a little different, why not try some purple sunflower varieties? These sunflowers come in a range of shades, from deep, dark purple to light, pastel shades.
- Rare Purple Sunflowers – If you want something unique, why not try some rare purple sunflowers? These sunflowers come in various shades and will be a talking point in your garden.
Unique Heirloom Sunflowers
- Titan Sunflower Seeds – Titan sunflowers are famous for gardeners who want to grow giant sunflowers. These sunflowers can grow up to 12 feet tall and produce massive blooms.
- Red Sunflower Seeds – Red sunflowers are a bold and striking choice for any garden. These sunflowers produce deep-red blooms and are perfect for adding some drama to your garden.
- Pastel Sunflower Seeds – If you want something more delicate, why not try pastel sunflower seeds? These sunflowers come in a range of soft, muted colors and are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your garden.
- Rare Sunflower Seeds – If you want to grow something unique, why not try some rare sunflower seeds? These seeds produce sunflowers that are not commonly found in gardens.
Where to Buy Heirloom Sunflower Seeds
Heirloom sunflower seeds can be purchased from various sources, including online seed retailers and local garden centers. Some popular sources for heirloom sunflower seeds include:
- Baker Creek: Baker Creek is a popular online retailer offering many heirloom seeds, including a fantastic collection of heirloom sunflowers.
- Seed Savers Exchange: Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit organization that works to preserve heirloom seeds. They offer a variety of sunflower seeds, as well as many other types of heirloom seeds.
- Local Garden Centers: Many garden centers and nurseries also offer heirloom sunflower seeds. Check with your local garden center to see what they have available.
- TFH Garden Store: Occasionally, we produce enough seeds to share in our garden shop. Be sure to check out the seed selection before you go!
100 Amazing Heirloom Sunflower Seeds
Name | Color | Type |
---|---|---|
Autumn Beauty | Mixed | Tall |
Autumn Gold | Yellow | Tall |
Black Magic | Dark Red | Tall |
Black Russian | Yellow | Tall |
Chocolate Cherry | Dark Brown | Dwarf |
Crimson Queen | Red-Yellow | Tall |
Claret | Dark Red | Dwarf |
Arikara | Yellow | Tall |
Astra Gold | Yellow | Tall |
Astra Rose Cream | Pink-Gold | Dwarf |
Double Sunking | Orange | Tall |
Dwarf Border Beauty (Topolino) | Yellow | Dwarf |
Dwarf Double Sunflower (Teddy Bear) | Yellow | Dwarf |
Dwarf Double Yellow | Yellow | Dwarf |
Dwarf Grey Stripe | Grey-Black | Dwarf |
Dwarf Pacino Cola | Brown | Dwarf |
Dwarf Pacino Gold | Yellow | Dwarf |
Dwarf Pacino Pink | Pink | Dwarf |
Dwarf Pacino Red | Red | Dwarf |
Dwarf Pacino Yellow | Yellow | Dwarf |
Dwarf Primrose | Yellow | Dwarf |
Dwarf Red Sungold | Red | Dwarf |
Dwarf Russian | Yellow | Dwarf |
Dwarf Sunburst Lemon | Yellow | Dwarf |
Dwarf Sunburst Orange | Orange | Dwarf |
Dwarf Sunburst Red | Red | Dwarf |
Dwarf Sunburst White | White | Dwarf |
Dwarf Sunburst Yellow | Yellow | Dwarf |
Dwarf Sungella | Yellow | Dwarf |
Dwarf Sungella Lemon | Yellow | Dwarf |
Dwarf Sungold | Yellow-Orange | Dwarf |
Dwarf Sunray Yellow | Yellow | Dwarf |
Dwarf Sunspot Red | Red | Dwarf |
Dwarf Sunspot Yellow | Yellow | Dwarf |
Dwarf Sungold | Yellow | Dwarf |
Dwarf Titan | Yellow | Dwarf |
Dwarf Velvet Queen | Dark Red | Dwarf |
Evening Sun | Red-Yellow | Tall |
Evening Colors | Gold and Rust | Tall |
Fantasia | Yellow-Orange | Tall |
Florenza | Yellow | Tall |
Giant Grey Stripe (Mammoth) | Yellow | Tall |
Giant Primrose | Yellow | Tall |
Giant Russian | Yellow | Tall |
Giant Sungold | Yellow-Orange | Tall |
Giant Sunflower Mix | Mixed | Tall |
Harlequin | Dark Red-Yellow | Tall |
Henry Wilde – Classic American Sunflower | Yellow | Tall |
Hopi Black Dye | Yellow | Tall |
Ice Cream – Perennial in 8-10 | Pale Yellow | Tall |
Indian Blanket | Red-Yellow | Tall |
Italian Red | Red | Tall |
Italian White | White | Tall |
Italian White Bicolor | White-Yellow | Tall |
Italian White Bicolor | White-Yellow | Tall |
Italian White Giant | White | Tall |
Italian White Sunflower Mix | Mixed | Tall |
Lemon Drop | Yellow | Dwarf |
Lemon Queen | Lemon Yellow | Tall |
Maximillian– Perennial | Bright Yellow | Short |
Mexican Sunflower | Orange | Tall |
Mexican Torch | Orange-Red | Tall |
Mongolian Giant | Yellow | Tall |
Moulin Rouge Dark | Dark Red | Tall |
Moulin Rouge Light | Light Red | Tall |
Moulin Rouge Red | Red | Tall |
Moulin Rouge Tall | Dark Red | Tall |
Moonshine | Yellow | Dwarf |
Orange Sun | Orange | Tall |
Prado Red | Red | Tall |
Primrose | Yellow | Tall |
Purple Disk | Purple | Tall |
Red Sun | Red | Dwarf |
Ring of Fire | Red-Yellow | Tall |
Short Stuff | Yellow | Short |
Skyscraper | Yellow | Tall |
Solar Flare | Orange-Red | Tall |
Soraya | Dark Yellow | Tall |
Sundance Kid | Yellow-Orange | Dwarf |
Super Snack Mix | Mixed | Dwarf |
Teddy Bear Sunflower | Brown | Dwarf |
Taiyo | Yellow | Tall |
Titan | Yellow | Tall |
Velvet Queen | Dark Red | Tall |
Valentine | Red | Tall |
Wild | Mixed | Tall |
In conclusion, heirloom sunflower seeds are a great choice for gardeners who want to add diversity, sustainability, and taste to their gardens.
With a wide variety of colors and sizes available, an heirloom sunflower variety will surely be perfect for your garden. Is there a variety that we missed? Comment below, and let us know your favorite heirloom sunflower varieties!