Grow a garden filled with the tall and mighty, Mammoth Gray Stripe Sunflower, from freshly harvested Helianthus annuus flower seeds. Mammoth Gray Stripe is an heirloom variety, which is sought after for its plump seeds. The plants themselves reach a towering height of roughly 6 to 10 feet tall, producing 10 to 20 inch wide flower heads. Each bloom will display bright yellow petals, which surround a golden brown center. Categorized as an annual flowering plant, Mammoth Gray Stripe will grow quickly from freshly harvested seeds. The plants will produce a single stem, populated with dozens of spade shaped leaves. Each plant will produce hundreds of seeds by the end of the growing season, which can be baked and consumed or used as bird feed. You can also store some of the seeds away for regrowth next year as well. Mammoth Gray Stripe Sunflowers are extremely tall, so they are best used as a backdrop plant, or sown in fields, by the masses. Primarily grown for their delicious plump seeds, Mammoth gray strip can also make a great addition to any sunflower garden as well. Plant them along fences or houses, and watch the insects cling to the massive flower heads. Quick Facts Type: Flower Color: Yellow Height: 6' to 10' Tall Width: 24" Spread Season: Annual Zones: All Environment: Full sun Sowing The Seed Sunflowers are not particularly fond of being transplanted, but if started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow at a depth of 1” under topsoil. Transplant entire pots into the garden, or direct sow when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Stakes may be necessary to support your Sunflowers, only until the stems become strong enough to stand on their own. Growing Conditions Sunflowers grow long taproots and may rot if the roots become waterlogged. It is recommended to check your sowing area for hard, compacted soil prior to sowing. Renew any hard, compacted soil with a mixture of compost. Sunflowers will enjoy an area of full sunlight for the majority of the day and should be watered daily so that the soil is kept moist until germination has occurred. Germination & Growth Your Mammoth Gray Stripe Sunflower seeds will begin to germinate within 7 to 10 days after sowing. The plants will grow to a mature height of 6 to 10 feet tall and can be spaced about 16 to 20 inches apart from one another.Mammoth Gray Stripe is a giant in comparison to many other varieties of Sunflowers. They are primarily grown for their plump and delicious seed.