Haven Sunflowers

Found as a chance seedling in Grand Haven, Michigan, this sunflower is a semi-dwarf plant with both black and striped seeds. After growing out this line of sunflowers for several years, I have winnowed it down to smaller plants with small heads that ripen early thereby making it possible to harvest in a short period of time in 60 days. The plants tend to be primarily polyheaded similar to wild sunflowers. Single flowers do occur but were not the primary goal of my selection over time. (12 years) 

Haven was inspired by another researcher working on short season crops that offer a potential for oil and edible meal production in cold and short season areas beyond canola. I liked the idea of having a form of auxiliary crop that has a quick turn around and is essentially not the major crop but something that would quickly integrate into a perennial or annual cropping system, yet provides nutrition. I have found several 30 day plants in the process but the yields on those are too low to use. For now the 60 day plus Haven population is ideal for both its polyheads and small seeds which can hang tight in the turned in bract. It is the opposite of all sunflowers in commerce as far as large heads and seeds. 

To grow: Plant after frost covering the seed with about a half an inch of soil. If in a single row space 6-12 inches apart. The wider spacing produces stronger plants. Winnow out weak plants and keep the polyheaded forms if possible for future production use. 

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