Sunflower Sunbird Organic Flower Seeds
Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus
Sunflower Sunbird is a tall, vigorous sunflower variety producing impressive golden-yellow flower heads followed by large grey seeds suitable for edible seed production and poultry forage. Growing approximately 2–2.5 metres tall, Sunbird is an excellent multipurpose sunflower for Australian gardens, productive growing areas, pollinator plantings and summer screens.
These organic Sunbird sunflower seeds are an excellent choice for gardeners wanting a productive sunflower that combines ornamental appeal with useful seed production.
Key Attributes
Large Edible SeedsProduces large grey sunflower seeds suitable for harvesting for human consumption or poultry forage. |
Tall & VigorousStrong annual plants typically grow approximately 2–2.5 metres tall under favourable conditions. |
Pollinator FriendlyBright sunflower blooms provide a valuable food source for bees and other beneficial pollinating insects. |
Excellent for BirdsMature seed heads provide a natural food source for seed-eating birds and can also be harvested for poultry. |
Warm-Season FavouriteFast-growing annual sunflower ideally suited to spring and summer planting in warm, sunny positions. |
Multipurpose Garden PlantUseful for summer screens, productive gardens, pollinator plantings and adding dramatic height to garden beds. |
Product Description
Sunflower Sunbird (Helianthus annuus) is a productive, tall-growing sunflower variety valued for its impressive flowers and large grey seeds. Reaching approximately 2–2.5 metres in height, Sunbird creates a striking display while also providing useful seed harvests at the end of the flowering season.
Sunbird is particularly useful for gardeners interested in growing sunflowers for more than ornamental purposes. Mature flower heads produce large seeds that can be harvested for human consumption or used as poultry forage. Alternatively, mature seed heads can be left in the garden to provide food for visiting seed-eating birds.
The large golden-yellow flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, making Sunbird a useful addition to vegetable gardens, orchards, food gardens and pollinator-friendly plantings.
The tall plants can also be used to create temporary summer screens or wind protection in suitable positions. Their strong vertical growth adds height and structure to productive and ornamental gardens, while the flowers provide an impressive display through the warmer months.
Why Grow Sunbird Sunflowers?
- Produces large, attractive golden-yellow sunflower blooms.
- Large grey seeds suitable for edible seed production.
- Useful seed crop for poultry forage.
- Attracts bees and other beneficial pollinating insects.
- Mature seed heads attract seed-eating birds.
- Tall plants grow approximately 2–2.5 metres.
- Useful as a seasonal summer screen.
- Fast-growing warm-season annual.
- Suitable for productive gardens, flower gardens and pollinator plantings.
Plant Details
| Plant Type | Warm-season annual |
| Botanical Name | Helianthus annuus |
| Variety | Sunbird |
| Plant Height | Approximately 2–2.5 metres |
| Flower Colour | Golden yellow |
| Life Cycle | Annual |
| Frost Tolerance | Frost tender |
| Approx. Maturity | Approximately 70 days under favourable conditions |
Sowing Information
| Sowing Method | Direct sow where plants are to grow |
| Sowing Depth | Approximately 1 cm |
| Germination | Approximately 7–14 days |
| Germination Temperature | Approximately 20–25°C |
| Plant Spacing | Approximately 30–60 cm, depending on desired plant size and use |
| Row Spacing | Approximately 60 cm |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil | Fertile, well-drained soil; approximately pH 5.5–7.5 |
When to Sow Sunbird Sunflowers in Australia
Sunbird sunflowers are warm-season plants and are best sown once the risk of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed. In most Australian climates, sowing is concentrated through spring and summer, while tropical and subtropical regions may have a longer suitable planting window.
Avoid planting into cold, waterlogged soil. Sunflowers establish quickly once temperatures are warm and adequate moisture is available.
How to Grow Sunbird Sunflowers
For best results, sow Sunbird sunflower seeds directly into the position where they are to grow. Sunflowers develop strong root systems and generally establish well when direct sown rather than transplanted.
Sow seeds approximately 1 cm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and early establishment without allowing it to become waterlogged.
Young sunflower seeds and seedlings can be vulnerable to birds, rodents, slugs, snails and other garden pests. Protect newly sown areas and emerging seedlings where necessary until plants are well established.
Space plants approximately 30–60 cm apart depending on the intended use. Closer spacing can create a denser stand, while wider spacing provides individual plants with more room to develop large stems and flower heads.
Although established sunflowers can tolerate periods of dry weather, consistent moisture during active growth and flowering will generally support stronger plants and better flower and seed development.
Harvesting Sunbird Sunflower Seeds
Allow flower heads to mature on the plant if growing Sunbird for seed. As the seeds develop, the back of the flower head will begin to mature and the seeds will become plump and firm.
Harvest mature heads and allow them to dry thoroughly before removing the seeds. Seeds intended for storage should be completely dry before being placed into suitable containers.
If the seed heads are intended for wild birds, they can be left on the plants to mature naturally. Protection may be required if you intend to harvest the seeds yourself, as birds can quickly discover ripening sunflower heads.
Uses for Sunbird Sunflowers
- Edible sunflower seed production
- Poultry forage
- Pollinator gardens
- Bee-friendly plantings
- Bird-friendly gardens
- Summer flower displays
- Vegetable garden borders
- Temporary summer screens
- Children’s gardens
- Productive home gardens
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does Sunbird sunflower grow?
Sunbird sunflower plants typically grow approximately 2–2.5 metres tall under favourable growing conditions.
Are Sunbird sunflower seeds edible?
Sunbird produces large grey sunflower seeds that can be harvested for human consumption. Seeds should be fully mature and properly dried before storage or use.
Can Sunbird sunflower be grown for chickens?
Yes. Sunbird is useful for poultry forage because mature flower heads produce large sunflower seeds that can be harvested for feeding.
Do Sunbird sunflowers attract bees?
Yes. Sunflower blooms attract bees and other pollinating insects, making them a useful addition to pollinator-friendly and productive gardens.
When should I sow Sunbird sunflower seeds?
Sow during warm, frost-free conditions, generally from spring through summer in many Australian regions. Sunflower seeds germinate best once the soil has warmed.
Should sunflower seeds be sown directly?
Direct sowing is generally recommended. Sow the seeds approximately 1 cm deep into their final growing position and keep the soil consistently moist while they germinate.
Can Sunbird sunflowers tolerate dry conditions?
Established sunflowers can tolerate periods of dry weather, but consistent moisture during active growth, flowering and seed development will generally produce stronger plants and better yields.


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