Heliopsis helianthoides.
Early Sunflower, also known as False Sunflower and Smooth Ox-Eye, is a perennial wildflower native to much of the eastern and central United States where it can often be found growing in open woodlands, prairies, and fields.
Plant grows to around 5 feet in height and produces yellow composite flowers with golden centers that bloom from June through September.
Easy to grow and highly adaptable to a number of soil types.
Early Sunflower
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8 Light Requirement: Full sun to partial sun Soil Type: Rocky, clay, well-drained Sow Depth: Surface Plant Spacing: 1/2 inch Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 30 days Bloom Time: June through September Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall by planting the seeds 1/2 inch deep in the soil. For spring planting, mix seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days (cold stratification) before direct sowing.
To start indoors, sow stratified seeds in a flat or small, individual pots, keeping the soil moist and at a temperature around 65 to 70 degrees until germination, which should occur within 10 to 20 days.A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.