Arikara Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Initially collected by Melvin Gilmore from the Arikara tribe at the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota then later offered by Oscar W. Hill in the 1930’s. Arikara warriors would traditionally carry sunflower balls wrapped in Buffalo heart skin as an essential protein meal. Plants can grow as tall as 12 feet under ideal conditions. Flowers have variability in colour from yellow to orange.
70 days to maturity
30 seeds per packet
Planting Instructions: Direct seed Sunflower after risk of frost has passed, and when the soil temperature is above 18 degrees Celsius. Sow in a furrow, 1 - 1.5 inches deep and 4 inches apart, thinning to 1 plant per every 8 inches.
