What is the difference between black and striped sunflower seeds?

The black oil seeds (“oilers”) have very thin shells, easy for virtually all seed-eating birds to crack open, and the kernels within have a high fat content, extremely valuable for most winter birds. Striped sunflower seeds have a thicker shell, much harder for House Sparrows and blackbirds to crack open.

How tall do striped sunflowers grow?

This sunflower can grow up to 8 feet tall. It produces the large grey striped seeds used for human and animal food. Flowers can be up to 10 inches across and have bright yellow, feathery petals with a brown center. Flowers are attractive to honey bees, wild bees and other pollinators.

What is the difference between white sunflower seed and striped sunflower seeds?

The two major agronomic uses for sunflowers are as an oilseed crop and as a confection crop. You can tell the difference between these two types of sunflowers by their seeds. Confection sunflower seeds, like the kind we eat, have white stripes on them. Oilseed sunflower seeds are all black, and are generally smaller.

Do birds prefer black oil or striped sunflower seeds?

Black oil sunflower seed is the preferred seed for birds because it has: A higher oil content, which means more nutrition; More calories per bite; A thinner shell that’s easier to crack open, so birds expend less energy eating.

Do squirrels like striped sunflower seed?

Even squirrels may not eat as many striped sunflower seeds. These seeds slow them down and make them look for something easier. If you have trouble with these feeder “pests” you may want to switch to striped sunflowers.

What do striped sunflowers look like?

The Giant Grey Striped Sunflower variety has a giant yellow flower head, up to 2 feet across on a single, tall stalk, up to 12 feet. The large seeds have the characteristic grey stripes. This is a cultivar of the true North American native that is such a familiar sight.

How do you plant a GREY stripe sunflower?

Direct sow in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. Can be sown as late as 100 days before killing frost. Requires full sun, adapted to a wide range of soil types but prefers well drained soil with a ph of 6.5 – 7.5. Fertilizer should coincide with plants needs & general health.

What birds will not eat striped sunflower seeds?

For example, House Sparrows can be incredibly numerous at bird feeders, but they are unable to open striped sunflower seeds! If you dedicate a feeder to striped sunflower, then the cardinals, titmice, nuthatches, and other birds that can open the hard shell have a more peaceful place to eat.

How tall do giant GREY stripe sunflowers grow?

This is the traditional single stem giant Russian sunflower that grows to at least five feet in height, but often much higher. The blooms are typically over a foot wide and packed with seed that makes a tasty snack for birds and people.

Are mammoth GREY stripe sunflowers perennials?

Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for the back of perennial borders where the dazzling flowers are welcomed in any color scheme….

Hardiness	2 – 11 What’s My Zone?
Plant Family	Helianthus – Sunflowers
Exposure	Full Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Mid,Late)
Height	8′ – 12′ (240cm – 3.6m)

Do mammoth sunflowers come back every year?

While most varieties of this bright beauty are annual sunflowers, meaning they will not come back the following growing season, they may self-germinate from dropped seeds if you leave the heads on the plants throughout the winter. The perennial Maximillian sunflower features small blooms in late summer and early fall.

Are mammoth sunflowers invasive?

Because of the plants’ aggressive growth and broad root expansion, they can quickly become invasive, so plant them in an area of the garden where this won’t become a problem.

How long do sunflower plants last?

Perennial sunflowers bloom for a period of 8-12 weeks with some beginning as early as July and others finishing as late as October.

What should not be planted near sunflowers?

The allelopathic characteristics of sunflowers are toxic to some plants, potatoes being one of them. This process inhibits germination and can stunt the growth of potatoes. They also compete for nutrients in the soil. Potatoes should be planted well away from sunflowers to avoid them affecting one another.