The Black Russian sunflower produces oil-rich seeds that are frequently part of wild bird mixes. You can harvest the seeds to press your own sunflower oil, or you can plant these towering beauties some distance from the sunflowers you plan to eat, and leave the Black Russian sunflowers for the birds.

Sun exposure:

• full sun

Soil pH:

• 6.0 to 6.8

Hardiness zones:

• 1 to 10

Spacing:

• 8 to 12 inches

Moisture:

• 1 inch per week

Notes:

• direct sow
• grows to a height of about 6 feet
• seeds are black and rich in oil
• attracts pollinators

Have you ever tried growing Black Russian sunflowers? Were there any challenges you faced growing them? Please tell us your best tips for growing Black Russian sunflowers.