Growing Ring of Fire Sunflower Garden Seeds
- Taxonomy: Helianthus annuus
- Seed Type: Annual
- Sow Indoors or Outdoors: Sunflowers are often sown directly after the frost. Ring of Fire seeds, however, can be slow to maturity and recommended to start indoors 3 – 4 weeks prior for earlier blooms. Transplant once there are two sets of true leaves and harden off plants into a warm, sunny spot in the garden or an indoor container. Young plants may need staking.
- Days to Maturity: 90 – 110 days
- Hardiness Zone: 2 – 10
- Planting Depth: Plant 2 – 3 seeds ½" deep
- Plant Spacing: 18 - 24"
- Growth Habit: 48 – 60” tall bushy uprights with 24 – 36” spread and one bright 5 – 6” head
- Soil Preference: Average, loamy, well-drained
- Light Preference: Full sun
- Diseases/Pests/Troubleshooting: Avoid overhead watering and properly ventilate to minimize moisture which may cause mold and powdery mildew. No serious pests or diseases, but monitor regularly for aphids.
- Color: Golden yellow petals with a fiery sunburst-mahogany ring around a chocolate center
Sunflowers are often sown directly after the frost. Ring of Fire sunflower seeds, however, can be slow to maturity and recommended to start indoors 3 – 4 weeks prior for earliest blooms. Transplant once there are two sets of true leaves and harden off plants into a warm, sunny spot in the garden or an indoor container. Young plants may need staking. For direct outdoor sowing, plant 2 – 3 Ring of Fire sunflower seeds ½” deep and 18 - 24” apart in average, light, loamy, and well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid overhead watering and properly ventilate plants to minimize moisture which may cause mold and powdery mildew. Ring of of Fire sunflowers are vigorous garden performers and have no serious pests or diseases, but monitor regularly for aphids. Ring of Fire sunflower seeds mature in 90 – 110 days as a 48 – 60” tall bushy upright habit and a green 24 – 36” spread of foliage with one dazzling 5 – 6” head of golden yellow petals with a fiery sunburst-mahogany ring around a heavily-seeded, chocolate center.
Ring of Fire sunflower is a 2001 All-American Selections (AAS) Flower Winner for its distinct and undeniable “ring of fire” that bursts from its center. AAS judges note the Ring of Fire sunflower for “being different than other flowers... standing out in a crowd of plain gold or yellow flowers... and its long flower stems are perfect for cut flowers or feeding wildlife.”