Maximilian Sunflower

Maximilian Sunflower is a wild prairie perennial with large 3-inch-wide bright-yellow flowers; as many as 15-30 flowers grow in a spiral pattern around one or more long stems around 4-6 feet tall! This Great Plains native provides food and shelter for birds, deer, and other wildlife and is attractive to bees and butterflies. A proven plant of the Heartlands, this sunflower can hold blooms for several weeks into the Fall, and is adaptive to sudden temperature changes and climates with low precipitation. Named after German explorer Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied who encountered it during his voyage to North America in the 1830s. Maximilian Sunflower’s tall and sturdy nature also makes it perfect for planting along fences, borders, or as a privacy screen. The plant's easy care and long-lasting flowers ensure that your garden stays bright and lively throughout the season. Deer Resistant.

Also Known As: Max Sunflower, Prairie Sunflower, Maximilian's Sunflower, Maximilian Sunflower, Fall Sunflower, Perennial Sunflower, Texas Sunflower, Tall Sunflower, Autumn Maximilian, Yellow Maximillian Sunflower.

Plant Name:	Sunflower, Maximilian
Latin Name:	Helianthus maximiliani
Days to Germinate:	10-20
Days to Bloom:	110
Plant Height:	4 - Feet
Spread:	18 - 30 Inches
Bloom Diameter:	2 - 4 Inches
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	3-10
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 4 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally cold-stratify seeds for at least 30 days then start planting indoors in containers 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant Maximilian Sunflower after the first hard frost in early Spring to cold-stratify seeds. Plants will germinate in late Spring when the soil warms to at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights. For blooms in late Spring of the following year, sow outdoors after the first hard frost in Fall to cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1/2 inch deep and spaced 3-4 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 3-4 feet apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding.

Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/2 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	3-4 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	4-5 feet

Care During the Season:

Maximilian Sunflower is a resilient perennial that requires minimal care once established. It tolerates drought conditions due to its deep root system. Watering is necessary during prolonged dry spells, especially in the first growing season. To encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess, plants can be lightly pruned in early summer. Maximilian Sunflowers benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering without excessive foliage growth. Deadheading spent blooms can extend the flowering period, but leaving some flowers will allow for reseeding and provide food for wildlife. In late fall or early spring, cutting back dried stems to the ground helps maintain a tidy appearance and encourages vigorous regrowth in the next season.