In this article:
Comparing the Best Places to Buy Sunflower Seeds Online
Tips for Successfully Growing Sunflowers
A Note on Edible Sunflower Seeds
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying and Growing Sunflower Seeds
Sunflowers brighten up any garden. These fast-growing flowers are easy to grow, even for amateur gardeners or kids, and they come in a surprising variety of sizes and colors. Check out five of the best online retailers selling sunflower seeds, whether you plant some every year or are just getting started.
1. Harris Seeds
Humans have been enjoying sunflowers since at least 3,000 B.C. as a food source and simply for their beauty. If you have also fallen under their spell, it pays to choose a retailer with expertise in these gorgeous blooms.
Harris Seeds stands out as the best place to buy sunflower seeds online. This U.S.-based seed supplier was founded in 1879 and serves home gardeners and professional growers. Its online store carries an extensive selection of sunflower seeds, both ornamental and for cutting, catering to a wide range of needs. It offers certified organic options, single stem, branching stem, tall and dwarf types.
Harris Seeds supports both small and large-scale growers and works with numerous good causes and community groups to give back to society. Its mission of trust and education is demonstrated by dedicated customer learning centers, easy site navigation, the highest germination rates in the business and fast, reliable shipping.
Key Features
- Extensive sunflower selection, including organics
- Growing guides and curated collections
- Regular money-saving special offers
2. Sunflower Selections
Sunflower Selections offers a vast range of ornamental sunflower seeds developed by its own geneticists. The range includes single- and branching stem flowers, garden giants, shorter sunflowers for pots, and specialist snacking hybrids. You can choose light-centered varieties, mildew-resistant plants or unique colors, including red, deep purple, peach or white.
The website includes extensive advice and information on shipping, including international shipments. Discounts are available for large orders.
Key Features
- Unique varieties
- International shipping options
- Gift cards available
3. Burpee
Burpee is a historic American company known for its innovation in home gardening. Its website showcases a wide selection of sunflower seeds, from classic tall options to new ornamental hybrids. Varieties include two-tone blooms, fluffy flowers and hedge types.
You can order seeds at any time. For live plants, Burpee schedules deliveries based on your location within the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones. The enterprise offers a 100% guarantee and a clear return policy.
Key Features
- Multiple types of sunflower seeds
- Customer satisfaction guarantee
- Referral discount
4. Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Johnny’s Selected Seeds is an employee-owned brand known for its rigorous seed trialing and quality assurance. Its online catalog highlights dozens of sunflower varieties for cut flowers or garden beauty, each with clear photos and growing advice. Options include curated sunflower mixes chosen for complementary colors and bloom times.
The entity’s mission is to help growers succeed, which is reflected in in-depth guides and feedback-driven catalog curation. Johnny’s Selected Seeds offers a customer satisfaction guarantee, a wishlist and gift certificates.
Key Features
- Detailed growing guides
- Trialed and tested varieties for high-performance
- Curated mixes available
5. Eden Brothers
Eden Brothers offers over 80 sunflower varieties, including rare and heirloom options. Its listings can be filtered by color, height, hardiness zone, and specialty seed or flower type. Each provides full botanical and planting information.
The company is committed to quality control, non-GMO seeds and clear shipping policies, along with bulk buying opportunities for larger gardens or community projects. It offers an affiliate program for those who write or blog about gardening.
Key Features
- Heirloom and specialty seed options
- Bulk seed packs if required
- 100% non-GMO seeds
Comparing the Best Places to Buy Sunflower Seeds Online
Featured businesses were selected for their extensive sunflower seed options, clear product listings, and reputation for customer service, shipping and educational support.
|
Company |
Variety of Sunflowers |
Organic/Heirloom/Specialty Options |
Growing Guides? |
Shipping Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Harris Seeds |
Extensive |
Organic and heirloom |
Yes |
United States |
|
Sunflower Selections |
Extensive |
Unique varieties |
Yes |
International |
|
Burpee |
Good |
Organic and heirloom |
Yes |
United States |
|
Johnny’s Selected Seeds |
Wide |
Organic and heirloom |
Yes |
International |
|
Eden Brothers |
Extensive |
Organic and heirloom |
Yes |
United States |
Why Grow Sunflowers?
Apart from their sheer beauty, ornamental sunflowers are hugely popular for several reasons:
- Easy to grow: They are among the easiest flowers for home gardeners to try, requiring minimal care.
- Diverse varieties: Modern hybrids go well beyond the classic single, tall, yellow flower. You can choose dwarf types for containers, multiple-branching varieties for constant blooms and colors ranging from white to chocolate.
- Pollinator magnets: Sunflowers attract a wide range of bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects to gardens. Birds also enjoy the seeds.
- Floral bouquet staple: Cut-and-come-again blooms are extremely popular, especially because you don’t need many to fill a bouquet.
- Visual impact: These flowers are frequently used in landscaping to add instant bold and cheerful color.
Tips for Successfully Growing Sunflowers
As the name suggests, these flowers do best where they get plenty of sunshine, so choose the right spot in your garden. Sow the seeds by hand approximately 5 cm deep. Allow approximately 45 cm between rows for large blooms.
Homeowners in windy or exposed locations may want to stake tall varieties to keep them stable. Keep them well watered through the growing season.
A Note on Edible Sunflower Seeds
You may know that sunflower seeds are extremely nutritious, offering many heart health benefits, boosting the immune and digestive systems, and helping control blood sugar. However, be aware that many sunflower seeds sold for planting or birdseed have been treated with fungicides or other chemicals that are not safe for human consumption.
If you grow your own sunflowers organically, you can eat the seeds from the fully grown plants. However, if you are buying right now to eat, look for food-grade options in supermarkets or health food outlets.
Your Own Patch of Sunshine
Choosing a top-rated retailer to buy sunflower seeds online from is your best starting point for a spectacular patch of these favorite blooms. Choose a type that appeals to you and that you have room for, bearing in mind whether you hope to cut them for bouquets or leave them in place for curb appeal and maximum visual impact. For experienced gardeners or those just starting out, sunflowers are hard to beat for sheer joy in the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying and Growing Sunflower Seeds
When Is the Best Time to Buy and Plant Sunflower Seeds?
You can purchase seeds at any time of year. The best time to plant them is when last frost is over and the dirt is warmer, which is typically from late spring to early summer.
How Many Sunflower Seeds Should I Order for My Garden Space?
The quantity you need depends on how much space you have and the varieties you choose. How many blooms you want is also a personal preference. Check the back of the pack for spacing recommendations. As a general rule, a single standard seed packet contains more than enough seeds for a small, decorative bed.
Are Some Sunflower Varieties Better for Pots or Containers?
Yes. There are many types perfect for container gardening. Look for seeds described as “dwarf,” “patio” or “container” varieties. These have been bred to grow to a more manageable height, making them ideal for balconies or smaller spaces. Use a deep pot with good drainage to accommodate the plant’s root system.
