Jolly Joker Sunflower Seeds

Jolly Joker Sunflower
Seeds per Package: 20

Helianthus ‘Jolly Joker’ (Jolly Joker sunflower) is an annual sunflower cultivar bred for showy, bicolor blooms—typically gold petals with deep maroon to burgundy centers or markings—and strong, upright stems. Like other Helianthus annuus types, it’s native to North America and is prized for bold summer–fall color in production beds, borders, and cutting gardens.

Plant in full sun for best stem strength and bloom production. It prefers fertile, well‑drained garden soil amended with compost and benefits from consistent moisture during establishment and bud formation; avoid waterlogged conditions. A balanced fertilizer at planting and again at bud set supports large heads and sturdy stems while avoiding excessive nitrogen that encourages floppy growth. Provide staking for taller plantings or where wind is a concern.

Seed can be direct‑sown outdoors after the danger of frost when soil has warmed or started indoors 2–4 weeks before last frost to get an earlier crop. Sow about 1/2–1 inch (1–2 cm) deep and keep evenly moist; germination typically occurs in 7–10 days at warm temperatures. No cold stratification is required. Thin seedlings or transplant carefully to avoid root disturbance.

‘Jolly Joker’ commonly reaches about 3–6 feet (90–180 cm) tall with a spread of 12–24 inches (30–60 cm); space plants 12–24 inches apart depending on desired density and staking. It’s excellent as a premium cut flower—long, straight stems and striking bicolor blooms make it ideal for bouquets—and it also dries well for dried arrangements and attracts pollinators while in bloom.