Why Double Petal Sunflowers Don't Have Seeds
Let's introduce the reasons why double petal sunflowers don't have seeds and share some small experiences about the cultivation method of double petal sunflowers. Let's take a look together.
Also known as the pine needle peony or common purslane, sunflowers come in single and double petals. Because double petal sunflowers have bright colors, long blooming periods, and are easy to cultivate, they are very popular among flower enthusiasts. However, it's not easy for double petal sunflowers to produce seeds during cultivation, and some enthusiasts even say that they don't have seeds, but that's not actually true. So how do we collect seeds from double petal sunflowers?
Indoor Double Petal Sunflowers Can Produce Seeds Through Artificial Pollination
Some double petal sunflowers can self-pollinate and produce seeds without human intervention, and these sunflowers can directly produce seeds, which just need to be collected when the sunflower seeds are mature. There are also double petal sunflowers that cannot self-pollinate and produce seeds. These sunflowers, when kept indoors without bees and butterflies to assist in pollination, require artificial pollination.
1. During artificial pollination, use a soft bristle brush to gently dab the pollen on the double petal sunflower, which completes the artificial pollination. You can also use a cotton swab, but the movements must be gentle and avoid breaking the sunflower's stigma, as this would prevent pollination.
2. After successful pollination, water the sunflower once every 1-2 days to keep the potting soil slightly moist. Then, every 15 days or so, apply a 1% solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate. You can then wait for the sunflower to produce seeds. Do not prune the sunflower during this time. After the sunflower petals fall and the seed pods turn yellow, remove the seed pods and collect the sunflower seeds, thus completing the seed collection process for double petal sunflowers through artificial pollination.
Outdoor Double Petal Sunflowers Can Produce Seeds Through Bee and Butterfly Pollination
Sunflowers planted outdoors can be pollinated by bees and butterflies without the need for artificial pollination, and they will produce seeds after pollination.
If you want to collect seeds from outdoor double petal sunflowers, you can use the same watering and fertilizing methods as after artificial pollination, then let the double petal sunflower produce seeds and collect them afterwards.
Conclusion
The seeds of double petal sunflowers are relatively small, so extra care is needed when collecting them. Also, after collecting the sunflower seeds, don't rush to plant them. You can store them in a smoke-free room and plant them the following year. Because if planted in autumn, the low temperatures during winter make it difficult for double petal sunflowers to survive.
The above is a complete introduction to why double petal sunflowers don't have seeds and the cultivation methods of double petal sunflowers, for everyone to learn and understand!