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Maximilian Sunflower Seeds - Helianthus maximiliani

$4.99 USD
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Size: 1 Packet

What Makes Survival Garden Seeds Different - non-GMO heirloom seeds

Maximilian Sunflower creates spectacular late-season displays when most flowers have faded, with abundant yellow blooms emitting a unique (but mild) chocolate scent that attracts migrating monarchs and native pollinators through fall. This drought-tolerant native perennial sunflower reaches impressive heights up to 10 feet, transforming into golden towers of blooms that provide critical nectar when other flowers are finished for the year.

Exceptionally hardy across zones 4-9, this resilient North American wildflower thrives in sandy, loam, or clay soils with minimal water needs once established. The plant also produces deep taproots that break up compacted soil in difficult terrain. The edible tubers can be eaten by both humans and livestock, making it valuable for permaculture gardens and wildlife food plots. 

Perfect for prairie restorations, pollinator gardens, and natural landscapes where its late-season blooms support migrating butterflies and provide winter seeds for birds. Its perennial nature and natural reseeding create expanding colonies that require very little maintenance but deliver maximum ecological impact.

  • Late-season pollinator support - produces abundant yellow blooms from late summer through fall when migrating monarchs and other wildlife need critical nectar sources
  • Towering 10-foot golden columns provide dramatic vertical interest and natural privacy screens that withstand drought and other harsh weather conditions
  • Edible & beneficial - perennial wildflower offers nutritious tubers for humans and livestock, while its deep taproots improve soil structure and break up compacted ground
  • Exceptional drought tolerance and adaptability - thrives in sandy, loam, or clay soils across zones 4-9 with minimal water or care needs once established
  • Simple surface sowing with long-term rewards - seeds germinate reliably with basic cold stratification; follow packet instructions to establish perennial colonies that expand naturally and provide decades of pollinator support

Heirloom Native Plant Seeds

All of our seeds are open-pollinated, non-GMO, heirloom varieties with tested germination rates

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Helianthus maximiliani
  • Seasonality
    Perennial
  • Planting Zones
    4-9
  • Light
    Full Sun
  • Soil Temp for Germination
    65-75 Degrees F
  • Germination Time
    14-28 Days
  • Planting Depth
    Surface
  • Plant Size
    4-8 Feet tall, 2-3 foot spread
  • Growing Instructions
    Best sown directly outdoors in early spring or fall. For spring planting, cold stratify for 30 days. Sow on the soil surface; light is required for germination. Keep moist until sprouted, then thin to 18-24 inches.
  • Seed Saving Instructions
    Allow seed heads to dry on the plant. Rub to separate seeds from chaff. Dry for 2-3 weeks, then store in a cool, dry place for up to 7 years.

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Diagram showing the growth stages of a native perennial plant over three years.

Native Perennials Are Worth The Wait!

Native perennials may not bloom in their first year. When planted from seeds, perennials put almost all of their energy into establishing strong, healthy root systems in the first year of growth. In the second year, you should see larger plants and some blooms. After the third year, you will be able to enjoy a bounty of beautiful blooms. Trust us! It will be worth the wait!

Cold Stratification Aids Germination

  • Yellow bowl with moist clean sand

    Step 1

    Lightly moisten some clean sand. Make sure it is not too wet.

  • Yellow bowl with moist sand and flower seeds

    Step 2

    Mix your seeds with the moist sand.

  • Moving moist sand with flower seeds to a labeled storage bag

    Step 3

    Store your sand in an airtight container like a zip-top bag. Make sure to label and date your container.

  • White refrigerator with a gold handle against a gray wall

    Step 4

    Refrigerate your sand and seeds for 2 to 4 weeks (or more, depending on the information on your seed packet)

Final Step

Sprinkle your sand with the seeds on the surface of prepared soil and gently press in. Most perennial seeds require light to germinate. Keep soil moist until germination occurs.

Support Native Habitats

  • Supports Local Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Native plants are uniquely adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, forming the foundation of healthy ecosystems. They provide essential food, shelter, and breeding grounds for a wide array of native wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects, which helps to maintain and enhance local biodiversity.
  • Requires Less Maintenance and Resources: Once established, native plants typically require significantly less water, fertilizer, and pesticides compared to non-native ornamental plants. Their deep root systems improve soil health and water penetration, reducing runoff and erosion, and their natural resistance to local pests and diseases minimizes the need for chemical interventions, saving time, money, and environmental impact.
  • Contributes to Climate Resiliency and Conservation: By supporting a healthy native plant community, you are helping to create more resilient landscapes that can better withstand the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events. Growing native plants also plays a crucial role in conserving local plant genetics, preserving the natural heritage of a region, and providing critical habitat corridors for wildlife facing habitat loss.
  • Detailed Growing Information: Paper seed packets include clear planting instructions, germination tips, and seed-saving info, great for beginner or experienced gardeners growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, or native plants.
  • Trusted USA Seed Company: Family-owned business providing heirloom, non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds; always fresh, untreated, rigorously tested, and expertly packed for long-term storage and gardening success across all experience levels

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques.

You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.

Are your seeds treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our farmer seeds. All of our garden seeds for sale are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

In what zones can I grow your seeds?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these gardening seeds?

Our seeds will generally last for 3-10 years if they are appropriately stored in a cool, dry place. However, we encourage you to grow your survival seeds within a year or two of purchase. This yields the best germination rates possible and also gives you more experience growing survival food now. At the end of the growing season, follow the instructions on the back of each packet for saving seeds for future gardens. These new seeds for survival will be more adapted to thrive in the growing conditions where you are.