Sunflowers are popular not only for their cheerful appearance but also for their delicious and nutritious seeds. Here's a list of some sunflower varieties with edible seeds.
- Sunrich: Sunrich sunflowers produce large, tasty seeds and are available in various colors including yellow, orange, and red. They are often grown for both ornamental purposes and seed production.
- Russian Mammoth: This variety is known for its huge flower heads and large seeds. Russian Mammoth sunflowers are favored by gardeners and seed enthusiasts for their robust flavor and sizeable seeds.
- ProCut Series: The ProCut series includes several sunflower varieties bred specifically for seed production. Varieties such as ProCut Orange, ProCut Red, and ProCut Lemon produce high yields of uniform seeds with excellent flavor.
- Italian White: Unlike traditional yellow sunflowers, Italian White sunflowers produce seeds with a white or cream-colored shell. These seeds have a slightly milder flavor compared to traditional sunflower seeds.
- Black Oil: Black Oil sunflowers are primarily grown for seed production and are commonly used for making sunflower oil. The seeds have thin black shells and are rich in oil and flavor, making them a favorite among birds and humans alike.
- Autumn Beauty: While Autumn Beauty sunflowers are often grown for their stunning array of colors, they also produce seeds that are perfect for snacking. The seeds are medium-sized and have a delicious nutty flavor.
- Giant Sungold: As the name suggests, Giant Sungold sunflowers produce large, golden-yellow flower heads filled with plump seeds. These seeds are perfect for roasting or adding to salads and baked goods.
- Teddy Bear: Teddy Bear sunflowers are a dwarf variety with small flower heads and seeds. While they may not produce as many seeds as larger varieties, their seeds are still edible and have a delightful flavor.
- Peredovik: Peredovik sunflowers are a popular variety for both seed production and wildlife food plots. The seeds have a high oil content and are favored by birds, making them an excellent choice for bird feeders.
- Pike's Peak: Pike's Peak sunflowers produce large flower heads with plump seeds that are perfect for snacking. These seeds have a rich, nutty flavor and are a favorite among gardeners and seed enthusiasts.
NOTE: When growing sunflowers for their seeds, it's important to choose varieties that are specifically bred for seed production and to ensure that the plants receive adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients throughout the growing season. Harvest the seeds once the flower heads have dried and the seeds are fully mature for the best flavor and texture.