Arikara Sunflower Seeds (Helianthus annuus variety)

Harvested from the gardens at Monticello. A primary goal of the Thomas Jefferson-sponsored Lewis and Clark Expedition was botanical exploration of North America. In 1805 the members of the 'Corps of Discovery' spent six winter months at Fort Mandan on the Missouri, near the Arikara, Hidatsa, and Mandan villages. The Arikara people planted these Sunflowers as the ice broke on the Missouri River, with soil temperatures at 45°F, because the seeds will not germinate in intense summer heat.

Direct sow seeds outdoors around the last spring frost. This annual sunflower bears large flower heads 12-16" across with many edible seeds. Approximately 15 seeds per packet.