Hopi Black Dye Sunflower
Traditional heirloom sunflower of the Hopi people. One very large flower (up to a foot across) atop a 7-10 ft stalk, and then lots of smaller flowers from side branches over a period of weeks. In the photo, the large topmost flower is barely visible, already finished blooming. The picture shows some of the many secondary flowers, which are the perfect size for cut flowers. This second bloom gives you a lot of flowers, seeds, birdseed, or garden enjoyment. The seeds have been used for centuries as an oil source, for food, and for dye. The hulls make a beautiful purple-black dye that has been used for foodstuffs, basketry, and clothing. Birds--including chickens--love these, and you can make a great bird feeder for yourself or for gifts by simply drying the seedheads and tying on a ribbon or wire to hang them up. 20 seeds
Many modern hybrid sunflowers have been bred to produce no pollen, to be more profitable for the florist trade. This leaves honeybees and other pollinators without an important food source. Please plant traditional open-pollinated sunflowers like those we carry!