Sunflower Schock-o-Lat F1 seeds - Helianthus annuus

Helianthus annuus 'Schock-o-Lat' F1, or Sunflower 'Schock-o-Lat', is an annual plant with rapid growth and strong ramified stems that can reach up to 1.80m (6ft) in height and bear up to 20 chocolate brown flowers with yellow tips, surrounding an almost black brown heart. This creates the effect of real giant flower bouquets!

 
Its flowers resemble giant daisies with a diameter of 15cm (6in). A double row of chocolate brown petals with yellow tips surrounds the flower's almost black brown heart.

The main stem branches out and each branch carries a flower that does not bend. The branches are long enough to be picked independently and used to create magnificent summer bouquets.

Selected by professionals in the cut flower industry, the Sunflower 'Schock-o-Lat' does not produce pollen. It will not stain furniture or clothing.

This magnificent flowering period extends from July to October. However, we recommend staggering your sowing to enjoy beautiful and regular young flowers.

To enjoy your Sunflower bouquets for longer, follow these tips:

• Cut the flowers in the morning just after they have opened. Use a knife that has been thoroughly cleaned beforehand.
• Remove the leaves starting from the bottom, leaving only 2 or 3 leaves below the flower.
• Change the water in the vase every day with fresh water.

 In the garden, sow the 'Schock-o-Lat' Sunflower at the back of a flower bed where it will majestically dominate the other flowers. Sunflowers love sunny spots and rich, fresh soil.

Until the flowering stage, the plant optimizes its growth by following the sun's path. This phenomenon, called heliotropism, has given rise to some of its common names: Heliotrope, Sunflower, Sunflower, Garden Sun...

Sunflower in the kitchen:

The buds, petals, and seeds are edible. Add a few petals to a green salad for colour contrast and their nutty taste. The green buds can be blanched and then sautéed in garlic butter. Their flavor is similar to that of Jerusalem artichokes. The flesh of the seed can be eaten raw or roasted.

An ecological asset:
Throughout the summer, the nectar-rich flowers of Sunflowers attract pollinating insects and butterflies to your garden. This is a great way to improve your garden's ecosystem and promote fruit and vegetable production in your vegetable patch.
The oil-rich seeds are particularly appreciated by birds (Parrots, Tits, etc.). At the end of the flowering period, harvest them to make some happy during the winter scarcity.