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

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 19th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 19th
Harvest Begins	Aug 22nd
Harvest Ends	Sep 21st

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

Recommended Companions

Pioneer 399 Corn

African Marigold Marigold

Hickory King Corn

Lemon Gem Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

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.