{"product_id":"sunflower-seeds-chocolate-cherry-25-seeds","title":"Sunflower Seeds - Chocolate Cherry 25 Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003e🌻 How to Grow \u0026amp; Care for Sunflower Seeds – Chocolate Cherry\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for choosing 'Chocolate Cherry' Sunflowers—a dramatic, deep burgundy beauty with velvety petals and a dark center. These sunflowers are easy to grow, pollinator-friendly, and absolutely stunning in garden beds and bouquets.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFollow this simple guide and you'll have bold blooms in no time!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e🌞 Quick Growing Basics\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBotanical name: Helianthus annuus\u003cbr\u003eType: Annual\u003cbr\u003eBloom time: ~70–90 days from sowing\u003cbr\u003eHeight: Typically 4–6 ft (120–180 cm)\u003cbr\u003eSun needs: Full sun\u003cbr\u003eBest for: Cut flowers, borders, pollinator gardens\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e🗓 When to Plant\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant after the last frost when soil is warm.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOutdoor sowing: Spring to early summer\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoil temp: Ideally 60–70°F (15–21°C)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf your season is short, you can start indoors 2–3 weeks early.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e🌱 Step-by-Step Planting\u003cbr\u003eOption 1: Direct Sow Outdoors (recommended)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose a spot with full sun (6–8+ hours\/day).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLoosen soil and mix in compost if you have it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant seeds ½–1 inch (1–2.5 cm) deep.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpace seeds 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor rows: 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) between rows.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater gently but thoroughly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGermination: 7–14 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOption 2: Start Indoors\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlace seed in a small pot (they dislike root disturbance).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant ½–1 inch deep in moist seed-starting mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKeep warm and bright.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHarden off before transplanting outdoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTip: Transplant while seedlings are still small (2–3 sets of true leaves).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e🌿 Soil \u0026amp; Water\u003cbr\u003eSoil\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Chocolate Cherry' likes well-draining soil with moderate fertility.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003epH doesn't need to be perfect—sunflowers are forgiving.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eToo-rich nitrogen soil = more leaves, fewer blooms. Compost is enough!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly while seedlings establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnce mature, they're drought-tolerant, but bloom best with even moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAim for deep watering 1–2 times per week rather than light daily sprinkles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e🌼 Light \u0026amp; Support\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFull sun gives the richest color and strongest stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf your area is windy, stake plants early or plant near a fence for support.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e🌸 Feeding (Optional)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNot required, but if your soil is poor:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer once plants are 8–12 inches tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid high-nitrogen feeds (too much green growth).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e🐝 Pollinators \u0026amp; Wildlife\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese blooms are bee and butterfly magnets 🐝\u003cbr\u003eOnce seeds form, birds may visit too—totally normal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you want to save seeds later, let heads dry on the stalk.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e✂️ For Cut Flowers\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHarvest when:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePetals are just opening and still fresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCut early morning for longest vase life.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStrip lower leaves and place in clean water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVase life: ~7–10 days with fresh water changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e🍂 End-of-Season Care\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSince these are annuals:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlants will finish after setting seed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou can pull and compost them—or leave heads for birds and winter interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e🌟 Troubleshooting Tips\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeedlings flopping?\u003cbr\u003e→ Not enough light, or soil too wet. Give more sun and reduce watering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeaves yellowing early?\u003cbr\u003e→ Often overwatering or very poor drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo blooms yet?\u003cbr\u003e→ They need time! Expect flowers around week 10–12 depending on heat and sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e💌 One Last Tip\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant a few seeds every 2–3 weeks for a longer bloom season.\u003cbr\u003eYou'll get waves of color and plenty for bouquets!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Srk Garden","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50323452887397,"sku":"F027","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/7627\/8373\/files\/1_296f5eba-4787-4b4f-99bf-a33de6e896d3.png?v=1787648327","url":"https:\/\/handycove.com\/products\/sunflower-seeds-chocolate-cherry-25-seeds","provider":"Handycove","version":"1.0","type":"link"}