Italian White Sunflowers

At FarmGal Flowers, we like to grow sunflowers that come in nontraditional colors like red and chocolate. We also primarily grow multi-branching sunflowers as opposed to the “one and done” varieties because we grow in urban spaces. So I am always on the lookout for new multi-branching varieties to try. I came across Italian White Sunflower (Helianthus dibilis) seeds as I perused the aisles at Eden Brothers Seeds just outside of Ashevillle, North Carolina last summer.

Italian White Sunflowers checked all of the important boxes:

• Easy to grow
• Multi-branching – LOTS and LOTS of blooms
• 4”-5” wide flowers which is a great size for our bouquets
• Unique color (Note: it is close to white but not a pure white.)
• Great vase life

 

I am particularly impressed with its vase life (about a week and blooms do not shatter easily) but what I really love is how each bloom has a little bend in its neck yet remains sturdy. This helps create that garden style look in our arrangements.

 

 

Italian White Sunflowers are currently blooming in the market garden at East End Market. Come check them out!