Description
Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.
A primary goal of the Thomas Jefferson-sponsored Lewis and Clark Expedition was the botanical exploration of North America. In 1805, the members of the 'Corps of Discovery' spent six winter months at Fort Mandan on the Missouri River, near the Arikara, Hidatsa, and Mandan villages. The Arikara people planted these Sunflowers as the ice broke on the river when soil temperatures were around 45°F, because the seeds will not germinate in intense summer heat.
Native Distribution: All US states except: AK
Direct sow seeds outdoors into rich well-drained soil around the last spring frost. This annual sunflower bears large flower heads 12-16" across with many edible seeds. Approximately 15 seeds per packet.
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