Sunflowers are one of the oldest domesticated crops from North America, and this variety was selected over many generations for its beautiful pigment and large edible seeds. Known as Tceqa' Qu' Si in Hopi, Hopi Black Dye Sunflower is a traditional dye used in Hopi basketry and wool works. This sunflower is a classic crowd pleaser: it is tall (7-11 ft ✔️), has large delicious seeds (✔️), and is gorgeous in arrangements (✔️). In addition to these traits, this sunflower is an absolute joy to dye with. The dye pot smells like a sweet and earthy sun-drenched summer day, which is EXACTLY what we need from a dye pot during the last days of winter. The colors you can obtain from the seed hulls range from a gentle warm lavender to a cool black velvet. Beautiful on wool or cotton. We recommend snacking on the seeds through autumn and saving the hulls for winter dyeing.

More info on how to use this beautiful plant here!

HARVEST

For Dying - Harvest the seeds

For Cut flowers - Harvest as soon as the first petals on a sunflower bloom start to unfurl, and strip the bottom three-fourths of the leaves from the stem for the longest vase life. No flower preservative is needed.

GROWING

Full Sun

Grows 7-11 feet tall.

Space 24 inches apart

NOTES

Protect young plants. They are super tasty and critters love to snack on young seedlings. Covering with a light frost cloth is effective.