Sunflower - Teddy Bear - 20 seeds

Teddy Bear Sunflower

Indoor Sowing

• Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
• Fill seed trays with seed starting mix and sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, one seed per cell.
• Keep the soil moist and at a consistent temperature of 70-75°F.
• Seedlings should emerge in 7-10 days.
• Once seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots.
• Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over the course of a week before transplanting outdoors.

Outdoor Sowing

• Sow seeds directly into the garden once the soil has warmed up after the last frost date.
• Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil that has been amended with compost.
• Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 6-8 inches apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart.
• Keep the soil moist and weed-free.
• Thin seedlings when they are 2-3 inches tall, leaving 12-18 inches between plants.

Growing

• Teddy Bear sunflowers prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
• Protect seedlings from pests, such as birds and squirrels, by covering with a floating row cover or netting.
• Fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
• Provide support for the plants as they grow tall by staking or using a trellis.
• Harvest blooms when the petals start to dry and the center disk is brown and full.
• Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.
• Leave some blooms on the plant at the end of the season to produce seeds for the following year.