Vanilla Ice Sunflower

seeds

Helianthus debilis
Open pollinated.

Annual. The closest we have seen to a white-petaled sunflower. Though their true color is more cream or pale yellow, the petals make a great contrast to the rich dark disk in the center. Superior to the better-known Italian White in our trial. Wini Noyes advised to “start really, really early and don’t transplant until they are very strong.” Polyheaded with 5' stalks, 3–4" blossoms. About 140 seeds/g. Especially attractive to pollinators.

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ships year-round

5555 Vanilla Ice

A: 1g

$3.10

Quick Details

Hybrid Status: open pollinated

Compare

Compare with other Sunflowers

Variety	Product Type	Hybrid Status
Autumn Beauty Mix Organic	seeds	open pollinated
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Green Heart	seeds	F-1 hybrid
The Joker	seeds	F-1 hybrid
Lemon Queen	seeds	open pollinated
Lemon Queen Organic	seeds	open pollinated
Mammoth Grey Stripe	seeds	open pollinated
ProCut Red	seeds	F-1 hybrid
Moulin Rouge	seeds	F-1 hybrid
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Schnittgold	seeds	open pollinated
Selma Suns Mix Organic	seeds	open pollinated
Soraya	seeds	open pollinated
Summer Sensation	seeds	open pollinated
Vanilla Ice	seeds	open pollinated
Zohar Organic	seeds	F-1 hybrid
Sunflower Sampler	seeds
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Shipping

From early May through October 31, items shipping from our garden seeds warehouse ship twice a week, usually Tuesday and Thursday. For quickest turnaround time order online by noon Monday or Wednesday.

Additional Information

Sunflower

Annual. Sunflower remains have been found in the Tabasco region of Mexico dating back more than 6000 years. Prized for their seeds by humans and birds, and for cutflowers by market growers, sunflowers also add a lighthearted touch to gardens. Sales soared in the spring of 2020. As our facilitator Ann says, “In hard times sunflowers make people happy.”

Culture: Easy to grow. Start indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost at temperatures of 65–75° or direct sow after frost, 3 to a pocket. Thin to best plant, 1' or more apart. Rich friable soil yields tallest plants; drought stunts growth. Will readily self-sow; for some fun leave a few volunteers in strategic locations.

Pollen or pollen-free? Although flower arrangers often eschew sunnies with pollen, Eliza Lindsay of Portland, Ore., speaks for our pollinators: “Sunflowers that produce pollen are my favorite. They feed the bees first and later the birds.” She says to grow sunflowers for cutting and to feed your pollinators, too, you must allow some of the flowers to remain uncut to complete their life cycle. Branching varieties are tops for this purpose since taking cuts encourages branching.

She offers tips for handling harvest and post-harvest for varieties with pollen. “The trick to sell them is to harvest prior to pollination. Once pollinated, flowers begin to senesce. Harvest when the petals are fully colored, clearly visible, but unexpanded and wrapped around the flower head. Harvest with long stems set in clean water in a cool dark place. Change water daily and recut stems as necessary. They will fully open in a few days, produce pollen in the vase, but have a long vase life.”

All varieties have pollen unless noted otherwise.

Germination Testing

For the latest results of our germination tests, please see the germination page.

Our Seeds are Non-GMO

All of our seeds are non-GMO, and free of neonicotinoids and fungicides. Fedco is one of the original companies to sign the Safe Seed Pledge.