So named because plants with the word “blood” in their name tend to scare off families with small children, this Helianthus variety really does have a deep, sanguinary hue, with petals that are typically tinged yellow at their bases. The central disc is a deep reddish-brown, often with a freckling of bright yellow near the center, and the large leaves are a lush medium-green.
Grown as annuals in USDA Hardiness Zones 2-11, Midnight Rouge tops out between four and six feet in height, with an 18-inch spread. The flowers themselves bloom from three to six inches in diameter and attract birds and beneficial insects. They work well as background plantings in locations with full sun, or among other compact yellow and gold sunflower varieties for stunning contrast. If you’re planning on growing a row of giant sunflowers, these are great for hiding stalks and filling in the gaps.
Midnight Rouge sunflowers are incredibly easy to grow from seed. They’re hardy and pest-resistant; even deer tend to pass them by. They’ll bloom all summer with consistent care, though they can handle a little neglect. They rarely—if ever—need staking, despite their height. Want to bring some color indoors? These crimson beauties make spectacular, long-lasting cut flowers. You can harvest their seeds for wintertime bird food by drying the center discs and knocking the seeds into a fine mesh bag, or simply hanging the dried seed heads outside for the birds to plunder.
We think this heirloom sunflower is perhaps the most spectacular of the branching varieties, and we’re pretty sure you will too.
Quick Facts
- Type: Flower
- Color: Red
- Height: 4′ to 6′ Tall
- Width: 18″ 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 1/2” 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 sunflower seeds will begin to germinate within 7 to 10 days after sowing. The plants will grow to a mature height of 4 to 6 feet tall. Space your seeds about 6 to 12 inches apart from one another. Midnight Rouge Sunflower is an annual, branching variety, that produces deep red flowers. The stems are accented with spade shaped leaves.