Hybrid Sunflower (The Joker)

(Helianthus annuus The Joker)
10 seeds
Introducing the Double Starburst!

Giant 6- to 8-inch double and semi-double blooms in 2 concentric rings and 2 colors!

This wild card is a huge red and yellow bicolor sporting petals in 2 concentric rings. The outer petals are long and thin, bright yellow from the tip to close to the base, where they abruptly turn deep red. The inner layer has a crested appearance, with very short, thin, tightly-packed, tufted petals that point straight up (instead of out) from the plant! This creates a fascinating double starburst pattern, enhanced by the glowing, fuzzy black center. These giant 6- to 8-inch blooms are semi- to fully double, arising on vigorous, well-branched 6- to 7-foot plants. And they're pollen-free, making them even better as cut flowers!
The plants are a good size for the back of the border, as well as next to outbuildings. They are well-branched and develop new blooms over a long season. Great as a temporary screen, too!

Sunflowers are the kings of the natural sunny summer garden, attracting butterflies and birds. They're wonderfully easy to grow--just direct-sow the large seeds after all danger of frost. Not picky about soil type, they need direct sun. Thin the plants to 2 to 4 feet apart so that they can show off their foliage a bit as they grow. Pkt is 10 seeds.