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5064 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg, PA
Current Hours
Mon.- Sat. 9 - 3
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Open Monday- Saturday 9 - 3
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This giant among sunflowers is a fast grower whose single stalk can reach 12' tall and produces one 10"-12" flower! Not fussy about soil, it's very easy to grow and drought tolerant. Grow in a tight row to make an attractive screen. Sow monthly for continual bloom into fall. Edible, gray-striped seeds invite birds in the fall (if you don't eat the seeds first!). Sunflower petals are edible, with a bittersweet flavor. The petals add a pretty pop of color ion salads and desserts. The young, sunflower buds are edible, with a flavor similar to artichoke hearts. They can be grilled, marinated, or sauteed for an unusual appetizer or side dish.
Plant in full sun in good garden soil when all danger of frost is past and temperatures have reached at least 50°F (10°C) both day and night. Poke seeds into well-worked soil 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist as seedlings emerge.
Family: Asteraceae
Native: North America
Hardiness: Annual
Plant Dimensions: 6'–12' tall
Variety Information: Up to 12"-wide flowers with yellow petals and a brown center. Single type.
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Period: Summer to frost
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Harvesting: Seeds are ready to harvest when the back of the head has dried and turned brown, about 4 weeks after the flowers have been pollinated. Petals will have wilted and fallen off, and the seeds will be plump, and colored white with gray/black stripes. Seeds ripen around the outside of the flower first; the ones in the center will ripen last. Average yield is approximately 1 pound per head.
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date.
Current Hours
Mon.- Sat. 9 - 3
Seth H. Richards
The Boss
Locally owned and Family Operated Since 1932.
Dr. John Richards established Richards Tree Farm in Middle Smithfield, PA as an evergreen farm. Building on those roots, his Great Grandson, Seth Hastings Richards, has grown the farm into a full service Garden Center and Landscape installation business for the past 25 years. The farm specializes in Organic Gardening, Edible, Native, and Unique plants.