One of the easiest flowers to grow from seed, Helianthus annuus, or Wild Sunflower, grows in the wild in much of the United States. West of the Mississippi, these glorious flowers can be seen growing along roads and fences, in fields and meadows. This Sunflower produces numerous 3 – 6 inch flower heads on branching stems. This annual grows quickly and produces colorful yellow-orange blooms with dark brown center disks. It blooms all summer long, and birds are attracted to the seeds. Start Sunflower seed directly outdoors in a prepared seedbed after danger of frost has passed. Press the seed into soil, cover it with ½ inch of soil and keep the seed moist. With a temperature of 68 - 75F, germination is usually in 14 days. Grow Wild Sunflowers in full sun to partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained fertile soil. Space plants 12 inches apart. NOTE: Wild Sunflower seed has a higher percentage of hard seed. It is important to understand that there will be a delayed dormancy on a portion of the seed when planted.