Sunflower Shock-O-Lat Seeds 20ct - Botanical Interests Unique Burgundy-Red Sunflowers for Cutting Gardens

Botanical Interests Sunflower Shock-O-Lat - Stunning Burgundy-Red Sunflower Seeds

Create dramatic displays with unique chocolate-colored sunflowers using Botanical Interests Shock-O-Lat Seeds. This eye-catching variety produces rich burgundy-red blooms with dark chocolate centers - perfect for cutting gardens, adding unique color to borders, and attracting pollinators with its pollen-free flowers.

Why Choose Sunflower Shock-O-Lat?

• Unique Color: Stunning burgundy-red petals with dark chocolate centers
• Pollen-Free: No messy pollen - perfect for cut flowers and allergy sufferers
• Excellent for Cutting: Long stems and long vase life (7-10 days)
• Branching Habit: Multiple blooms per plant for continuous cutting
• Attracts Pollinators: Draws butterflies, bees, and birds
• Easy to Grow: Perfect for beginning gardeners
• Heat & Drought Tolerant: Thrives in hot, dry conditions
• Unique Garden Accent: Dramatic color unlike traditional yellow sunflowers
• Long Blooming: Flowers from summer through frost

Product Specifications

• Brand: Botanical Interests
• Variety: Shock-O-Lat Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
• Packet Size: 20 seeds
• Type: Annual flower (branching sunflower)
• Plant Height: 4-5 feet
• Flower Size: 4-6 inches diameter
• Flower Color: Burgundy-red with dark chocolate centers
• Days to Bloom: 55-65 days from seed
• Bloom Time: Summer through frost
• Pollen: Pollen-free variety

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
• Soil: Average, well-drained soil
• Temperature: Warm-season annual; plant after last frost
• Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
• Spacing: 18-24 inches apart
• pH: 6.0-7.5 (adaptable)

How to Grow Sunflower Shock-O-Lat

1. When to Plant: Direct sow outdoors after last frost when soil has warmed
2. Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep
3. Germination: Seeds germinate in 7-14 days at 70-75°F
4. Thinning: Thin seedlings to 18-24 inches apart
5. Watering: Water regularly until established; then water during dry spells
6. Fertilizing: Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer for best blooms
7. Staking: May need support in windy locations
8. Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms
9. Harvesting: Cut flowers when petals are fully open

Stunning Burgundy-Red Blooms

Shock-O-Lat produces dramatic burgundy-red flowers with dark chocolate-brown centers, creating a striking contrast to traditional yellow sunflowers. The rich, velvety petals surround a large dark disk, making each bloom a showstopper in the garden and bouquets.

Pollen-Free Advantage

Shock-O-Lat is a pollen-free variety, offering several benefits:

• No messy pollen on furniture or clothing
• Perfect for people with pollen allergies
• Cleaner cut flowers for indoor arrangements
• Longer vase life without pollen drop
• Still attracts pollinators with nectar

Superior for Cutting Gardens

Shock-O-Lat is an exceptional cut flower:

• Long, sturdy stems (24-36 inches)
• Excellent vase life (7-10 days)
• Pollen-free for clean arrangements
• Unique color adds drama to bouquets
• Branching habit provides multiple cuts per plant

Branching Habit for More Blooms

Unlike single-stem sunflowers, Shock-O-Lat has a branching growth habit that produces multiple side shoots with flowers, providing continuous blooms for cutting throughout the season.

Attracts Beneficial Pollinators

Despite being pollen-free, Shock-O-Lat attracts pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers:

• Butterflies: Love the large landing platform
• Bees: Visit for nectar
• Birds: Goldfinches and other birds eat seeds in fall

Easy to Grow from Seed

Sunflowers are among the easiest flowers to grow:

• Large seeds are easy to handle
• Germinate quickly and reliably
• Tolerate poor soil and drought
• Require minimal care
• Perfect for children's gardens

Heat & Drought Tolerant

Once established, Shock-O-Lat is extremely heat and drought tolerant, thriving in hot summer weather, requiring minimal watering, and ideal for water-wise gardens.

Ideal Garden Uses

• Cutting Gardens: Dedicated beds for fresh bouquets
• Mixed Borders: Back of border for height and unique color
• Cottage Gardens: Informal, colorful plantings
• Pollinator Gardens: Attract beneficial insects and birds
• Children's Gardens: Easy and rewarding to grow
• Container Gardens: Large pots for patios (dwarf support)

Companion Planting

Sunflower Shock-O-Lat pairs beautifully with other cutting garden favorites including zinnias, cosmos, celosia, marigolds, and ornamental grasses.

Cutting & Arranging Tips

• When to Cut: Cut when flowers are fully open
• How to Cut: Cut stems at an angle in morning
• Conditioning: Remove lower leaves and place in water immediately
• Vase Life: Change water every 2-3 days for 7-10 day vase life
• Arrangements: Unique color creates focal points in bouquets

Why Botanical Interests Seeds?

Botanical Interests is committed to providing high-quality seeds with detailed growing instructions and beautiful, artistic packaging. Their seeds are tested for germination and purity, ensuring gardening success.

Order Botanical Interests Sunflower Shock-O-Lat Seeds 20ct today and grow stunning burgundy-red sunflowers with dark chocolate centers - pollen-free, perfect for cutting gardens, and creating dramatic displays unlike traditional yellow sunflowers!

Item # 1327