TRANSITION FARM ORGANIC SEED
Quality 100% Certified Organic and Demeter Bio-dynamic NON-GMO Seed
Our next batch shipment date to Western Australia is 9th June 2025. For more options, check the POSTAGE page.
Sunflower 'Hopi Black'
Sunflower 'Hopi Black'
Helianthus annuus macrocarpus
Tceqa' Qu' Si
Known as Tceqa' Qu' Si in Hopi, ‘Hopi Black’ dye Sunflower has been generationally preserved for its importance as a traditional dye used in Hopi basketry and fabrics and as a food source.
With its large heads on 2-3.25m thick stalks, its dark central disk and the many side flowers produced, ‘Hopi Black’ is a farm favourite in the field. We cut the side flowers and protect the central head as the dye from the seeds is gorgeous. The rich colour produced glows on fabrics and wool.
Certified Demeter Biodynamic and Certified Organic
SEED COUNT: 20 approx.
Germination: Lot #37846 April 2025 94%
Seed Raising, Growing and Harvest Information
| Plant Type | Site | Spacing | Height | Sowing Depth |
Days to Germination |
Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | Full Sun | 30-45cm apart | 1.5-2.5m | 10-15mm | 7-14 days @21-24°C |
75-85 days |
Direct Sow (recommended): Sunflowers dislike root disturbance. To avoid injuring the roots, start in soil blocks or direct sow. Wait until soil has sufficiently warmed in mid spring. Sunflowers germinate best at 21-24°C. Sow 2-3 seeds per 30cm. Thin to one seedling per hole choosing the one with the darkest colour. May require protection from birds and rodents who love fresh sunflower shoots!!
Transplant: Start seed indoors in trays 3-5 weeks before transplanting into soil that is above 20°C. Transplant out after all danger of frost has passed allowing 30-45cm between plants. Can direct sow and succession plant every 3 weeks to stagger harvest.
Harvesting/Vase Life: Pick when petals are showing but before they reveal the dark centre. Expect a vase life of 7-10 days. Pollen bearing variety.
Dyeing: Colours derived from ‘Hopi Black Sunflower’ seeds include maroon-red, deep maroon, dark purple, deep lavender, medium blue and black dye. To begin the dyeing process, a dye stock liquid is made. To make this, add 2 liters of water to 300ml of seeds. Bring to the boil and gently simmer for ½ hour, or until the seeds split open. Strain through a cloth to obtain a deep maroon liquid. The dye stock liquid is the base to which mordants – different compounds that ‘fix’ the dye onto the material – are added.
Note: Flower size and stem diameter are controlled by plant spacing, temperature, soil type, and day length.
