Early Sunflower Seeds – Heliopsis helianthoides Native Perennial, 100 Non-GMO Seeds

Early Sunflower, botanically known as Heliopsis helianthoides, is a cheerful native perennial that brings long-lasting golden-yellow blooms to gardens, meadows, and pollinator plantings. Often called smooth oxeye or false sunflower, this hardy wildflower resembles a classic sunflower but returns year after year, forming sturdy clumps of green foliage topped with daisy-like flowers from early summer into early fall.

Its bright, nectar-rich blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, while the seed heads that follow can feed birds later in the season. Early Sunflower works beautifully in native plant gardens, cottage borders, prairie restorations, and cut flower arrangements, offering reliable color with minimal maintenance once established.

Plant Features

• Native perennial wildflower with bright golden-yellow, sunflower-like blooms
• Long bloom season from early summer through early fall
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
• Drought tolerant and low maintenance once established
• Excellent for meadow plantings, borders, and cut flowers

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Heliopsis helianthoides
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates poor to average soil
• Water Requirements: Medium; drought tolerant once established
• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming
• Bloom Season: Early summer to early fall
• Mature Height: Typically 2 to 4 feet
• Spacing: 18 to 24 inches apart

Planting & Care

Sow Early Sunflower seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Press seeds lightly into the soil surface and keep them moist, as light aids germination. Seedlings usually emerge within 10 to 20 days at around 65 to 70°F. Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves, harden them off gradually before transplanting into the garden.

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to help plants establish deep roots. After establishment, Early Sunflower is quite drought tolerant and needs only occasional watering. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering, or leave seed heads standing for birds. Divide crowded clumps every few years in early spring or fall to maintain vigor.

What's Included

100 Early Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) seeds.