Growing Maximilian Sunflower Garden Seeds

Sunflower seeds are generally fast, easy to grow and most commonly sown directly outdoors, but Maximilian seeds will benefit from an 8-10 week start indoors. Start Maximilian sunflower seeds in peat pellets or starter trays 8-10 weeks before last frost. Germination will take about 10-14 days. For direct sowing, plant 2-3 Maximilian seeds ½" deep and 18-24" apart in average, light, loamy, and well-drained soil in full sun. Maximilian sunflower is known to be drought tolerant and to thrive in poor soils. Maximilian sunflower growth is vigorous, yet can be unpredictable with a 48-60" difference between the tallest and shortest of mature plants. Plan your garden accordingly and plant all Maximilian seeds at the north end of the garden. Monitor regularly for caterpillars and beetles, but Maximilian sunflower has no serious pests or disease. Maximilian sunflower seeds mature in 90 - 110 days as 48-96" tall branching uprights with an 18-24" spread boasting golden bushels of 3" daisy-like blooms.

Helianthus maximiliani, or Maximilian sunflower, is native to the midwest and Great Plains of Missouri and central North America. The species maximiliani honors Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied, a German ethnographer, explorer, and naturalist who explored the uncharted American West along the Missouri river.