sunflower

? Sunflower – Hopi × Mammoth Cross (Heirloom Seed, F2 Generation)

Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus
Heritage Cross | Edible Seeds & Ornamental | Open-Pollinated | Grown from Seed

This unique sunflower cross, shared by American seed guardian Lauren Rendler, brings together the deep cultural legacy of the Hopi sunflower—traditionally grown by Indigenous communities for its dark seeds and ceremonial uses—with the towering strength and productivity of the Mammoth variety. Now in its F2 stage, this population offers diverse expressions of height, seedhead size, and seed colour—making it a fantastic choice for enthusiastic plant breeders, home seed savers, and Irish gardeners looking for both beauty and utility.

Grown from seed, these sunflowers thrive in Irish gardens with full sun and shelter, producing stunning blooms and seeds that attract birds, pollinators, and attention.
? Horticultural Highlights:

Growth Habit: Tall annual (can reach 2.5–3.5 m), upright stems with large heads

Flowers: Bright yellow petals surrounding large central seed heads

Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds

Seeds: Edible, variable colouration due to cross (ranging black, grey, striped)

Uses: Edible seeds, ornamental, pollinator-friendly, seed-saving

? Growing Instructions (Seed Propagation – Irish Conditions):

Sowing Time:

    Indoors: April for transplanting after last frost

    Outdoors: May–early June when soil has warmed

Sowing Depth: 2–3 cm deep

Spacing: 30–50 cm apart for large heads

Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost or manure

Light: Full sun; shelter from strong winds

Watering: Regular watering in dry periods supports seed development

Support: May need staking in exposed areas or for particularly tall plants

Seed Saving: Select heads with desirable traits (seed size, colour, plant height) and allow to dry fully before harvesting

? Historical Background:

The Hopi sunflower holds ancestral significance, historically cultivated for dye, food, and spiritual purposes by the Hopi people of the American Southwest. Its dark seeds and strong genetic traits have made it a valued variety among seed keepers. The Mammoth sunflower, a 19th-century favourite in American and European gardens, is revered for its towering size and high seed yield. This cross brings the rich cultural lineage of both into one vibrant, open-pollinated population—now adapting beautifully to Irish gardens and seed sovereignty efforts.