Sunflower Soluna Bronze seeds - Helianthus annuus

Helianthus debilis 'Soluna Bronze' is an annual sunflower selection that produces abundant, modest-sized flowers in a rich palette of yellow to coppery-orange tones. Its flowers have a large dark centre and bloom in shimmering clusters throughout summer. This fast-growing variety is really easy to sow and grow in all types of well-drained soils. It is a good plant for wildflower beds and large flower borders.

'Soluna Bronze' is a very recent horticultural creation. This sunflower is part of a series of cultivars derived from Helianthus debilis selected for their unique colours and excellent branching. The botanical species H. debilis is an annual plant of the Asteraceae family native to the east coast of the United States. The 'Soluna Bronze' variety forms a branching clump that reaches an average height of 1.10 m (4ft) when in bloom, in just a few weeks. Flowering usually begins in July and can continue until September. It takes the form of 8 cm (3in) diameter flower heads, with ligulate petals around an almost black centre. The heads vary in colour from yellow to bronze and coppery-orange and bloom in clusters towards the top of the stems. The floral stems are purple, short, sturdy, and well-branched. The foliage consists of fairly dark green leaves, of varying shapes and sizes, that are simple, alternate, and sometimes opposite at the base.

Its ease of cultivation, large easy-to-germinate seeds, and reasonable size make it very popular with children who are starting gardening with sunflowers. 'Soluna Bronze' is particularly suited for the back of flower beds, but also for decorative use in the vegetable garden where it attracts many beneficial animals. It only needs sunlight and soil that is not too dry to flourish. It is a plant with a rustic appearance and, as such, it blends well in slightly wild areas of the garden, alongside cosmos, sainfoin, perennial sweet peas, scabious, blanket flowers...

Before flowering, the plant optimises its growth by following the path of the sun. This phenomenon is called heliotropism and has given rise to some of its common names: Heliotrope, Sunflower, Sunflower, Garden Sun...

An ecological asset:
Throughout summer, the nectar-rich flowers attract pollinating insects and butterflies. A good way to improve the ecosystem of your garden and promote the production of fruits and vegetables in your vegetable garden.
The oil-rich seeds are particularly appreciated by birds (Parrots, Tits, Goldfinches...). After flowering, harvest them to feed birds during the winter scarcity.