Arikara

Sunflower

95d to harvest

Warm, golden faces rise with a regal, sun-catching presence—Arikara’s blooms bring a rich, honeyed depth of color and a sturdy, upright confidence to the garden. The seeds develop in substantial, well-filled heads, offering a satisfying, nutty richness prized for seed oil and for saving as an heirloom staple. A non-GMO treasure for pollinators, Arikara rewards attentive growers with bold, long-season performance through 95 days to maturity.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 10b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Jan 4th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	95
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Helianthus annuus (sunflower), and how can I manage it?

Powdery mildew is a frequent issue on sunflower (Helianthus annuus), showing up as a white, dusty coating on leaves during warm, humid spells. Improve airflow by spacing plants properly and removing heavily infected lower leaves; water at the soil line instead of overhead to keep foliage dry. If it’s spreading, treat early with a labeled fungicide for powdery mildew on vegetables/ornamentals, following the label rate and reapplication timing.

How often should I water Helianthus annuus during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During active growth and before seed fill, water deeply about 1–2 times per week, aiming to keep the top 2–3 inches of soil evenly moist but not soggy. In hot weather, you may need more frequent watering, but always let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings to prevent root stress. Once plants begin forming seed heads, switch to steady deep watering (roughly 1 inch per week total from rain and irrigation) to support consistent seed development.

How do I tell when Helianthus annuus is ready to harvest (seeds/heads)?

Harvest when the back of the flower head turns yellow to brown and the bracts (the “petals” around the back) are mostly dried, with the seeds appearing plump and mature. The seeds should be firm and well-developed at the edges of the head, and many should be loose enough to rub or pick without tearing the head. For best quality, cut heads and dry them further in a well-ventilated area until the seeds are fully hard.