{"product_id":"sunflower-mix","title":"Sunflower seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis colorful sunflower mix is an original creation from Metchosin Farm, developed through the selection and preservation of stunning varieties grown in their gardens. Offering a diversity of heights, flower shapes, and warm hues, these sunflowers brighten the garden while promoting biodiversity. Their edible petals add color to summer salads, while the seeds can be eaten or left to feed birds during winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to Grow the Sunflower Mix?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSunflowers thrive in full sun in well-drained soil and are perfectly suited for zones 3 to 9. Once established, they are drought-tolerant and ideal for flowerbeds, borders, and wildlife-friendly gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and Traditional Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNative to the Americas, sunflowers have long been cultivated for their ornamental value, edible seeds, and role in ecosystems. Historically, they have been used for food, oil production, and even as a source of dye. Today, they remain very popular for both garden beautification and their contribution to biodiversity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZones 8–9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in spring after the last frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZones 5–7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in late spring or start indoors 2 to 3 weeks prior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZones 3–4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors and transplant after all risk of frost has passed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1632\" data-start=\"1389\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest the Sunflower Mix\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSowing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 1 to 2 cm (1\/2 to 3\/4 in) deep, 30 cm (12 in) apart, in full sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water thoroughly until established; drought-tolerant thereafter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest mature seed heads for consumption, storage, or use in bird feeders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming or leave them for pollinators and birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips for Seed Harvesting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSelecting Mature Heads:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow heads to dry completely on the plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut heads and extract seeds once thoroughly dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrying and Storage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow to air dry completely before storing in a paper envelope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep in a cool, dry, dark place; seeds remain viable for 4 to 6 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic by\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Certificate No. 1962)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53644646252912,"sku":"MF-FLOWER-045","price":4.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/Sunflower-Bunch-5-scaled_245b0a19-bfd5-4538-96a8-ae7b56b92823.jpg?v=1776549604","url":"https:\/\/www.biocos.ca\/en-gb\/products\/sunflower-mix","provider":"Biocos Canada ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}