Sunflower Soluna Mix seeds - Helianthus annuus

Helianthus annuus 'Soluna Mix' brings together the most beautiful varieties of annual sunflowers from the 'Soluna' series. This mix is sown in spring for a long and abundant summer flowering. The well-branched plants produce modest-sized flowers, but they are numerous and naturally grouped in clusters, in a beautiful palette of warm tones. Plant them in the background of your flowerbeds and create vibrant bouquets with their flowers!

Helianthus 'Soluna Mix' combines 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 mix is composed of varieties such as 'Soluna Cream' with cream-coloured flowers, 'Soluna Lemon' with soft lemon yellow flowers and 'Soluna Bronze' with flowers in shades of yellow, bronze and coppery orange. Each plant forms a branched clump that reaches an average height of 1.10 m (4ft) when in bloom, in a matter of weeks. Flowering usually begins in July and can continue until September. It takes the form of inflorescences in 8 cm (3in) diameter heads, with ligulate petals of variable colour around an almost black centre. The heads open in clusters towards the top of the stems. The floral stems are short, sturdy, and well-branched. The foliage consists of fairly dark green, simple leaves of variable shape and size, alternately arranged, sometimes opposite at the base.

Its ease of cultivation, large, easily germinating seeds and reasonable size are very appealing to children who are often introduced to the joys of gardening with sunflowers. The 'Soluna Mix' sunflower is particularly suitable for the back of flowerbeds, but also for vegetable gardens where it attracts many beneficial animals for the gardener. It only requires sun and soil that is not too dry to thrive. It is a plant with a rustic appearance and, as such, it integrates well into slightly wild areas of the garden, alongside cosmos, sainfoin, perennial sweet peas, scabious, gaillardias...

Before flowering, the plant optimises its growth by following the course of the sun. This phenomenon, called heliotropism, has given rise to some of its common names: Héliotrope, Tournesol, Sunflower...

An ecological asset:
Throughout the summer, the nectar-rich flowers of sunflowers 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 loved by birds (Parrot, Tits, Goldfinch...). After flowering, harvest them to feed birds during the winter scarcity.