Sunflower 'Maximilian'

Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus Maximiliani)

Maximillian, also known as the Perennial Sunflower or Early Bird Native Sunflower, is a golden gift for the late-season garden. From August until frost, tall stems are crowned with masses of 7–8 cm yellow-gold blooms, swaying gently in the autumn breeze like pockets of summer sunshine that refused to fade. This hardy North American native thrives in Zones 3–9, standing strong through wind, heat, and even poor soil.

Beloved by bees and a haven for beneficial insects such as lacewings, lady beetles, syrphid flies, and parasitic wasps, it plays a valuable role in the pollinator garden. Perennial in habit, Maximilian returns each year with renewed vigour, forming tall, graceful clumps perfect for back borders, naturalized plantings, or meadow-style gardens. Excellent for cutting, these sunny blooms pair beautifully with purple asters, deep burgundy amaranth, or creamy cosmos, bringing light and warmth to autumn arrangements.

DETAILS:

QTY: 20

TYPE:  Tender Perennial

SITE: Full Sun

SEED DEPTH: 1/2-1"

GERMINATION: 7-14 days at 21-24°C

HEIGHT: 24-36"

MATURITY: 55 - 65 Days

SPACING: 6-18"

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:

Direct Seed (recommended): Sunflowers are best grown from seed sown directly into the garden. Sow seeds after your last frost date, once the soil temperature is consistently above 18°C. Plant seeds 1/2-1" deep, spacing them 6–12" apart. Taller varieties should be spaced farther apart. Cover the seeds and water well. To protect seeds from birds and squirrels, you can cover the area with netting or a pot until the seedlings emerge.

Transplanting (alternative, use caution): Sunflowers form a deep taproot and are sensitive to root disturbance. If you choose to start them indoors for an earlier bloom, sow seeds into biodegradable pots (like peat or coir pots) 2–3 weeks before the last frost. Plant seeds 1/2-1" deep. Harden off seedlings for 7–10 days before transplanting the entire pot into the ground after all danger of frost has passed.

Pinching: Pinching is not recommended for single-stemmed, large-headed sunflower varieties, as it will prevent the formation of the main flower. For branching or multi-stemmed varieties, you can pinch the main stem when the plant is 12–18" tall to encourage lateral branching and more, albeit smaller, flowers.

Soil Preference and Watering: Sunflowers thrive in full sun and require well-drained, fertile soil. While establishing, they need consistent and deep watering. Water them deeply once a week, especially during dry periods and when the plants are forming buds. Once mature, they are relatively drought-tolerant but will perform best with regular watering.

Fertilizing: Sunflowers are heavy feeders and will benefit from fertile soil. If your soil is poor, you can amend it with compost before planting. An application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be given a few weeks after planting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flower heads.

Staking: Taller sunflower varieties may need staking, especially if they are in a windy location. Install stakes when the plants are young to avoid damaging the roots later.

Harvesting: For cut flowers, harvest in the morning just as the petals are beginning to unfurl. For sunflower seeds, wait until the back of the flower head turns brown and the petals have started to fall off. Cut the head from the stem and allow it to dry in a well-ventilated area for a few weeks before removing the seeds.