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How to stop open pollination of sunflowers

14 years ago

My favorite sunflower is Russian Mammoth (Diane's strain) and the only place I can find the seeds is P and P Seeds, (5 seeds $5.00). So I was happy to grow my own seeds for this years planting. None of the flowers looked like the parent plant. How can I reproduce flowers like the parent? How do seed companies do it? I was so disappointed to have a garden without my favorite plant.

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Comment (1)

xenobleps
14 years ago
Sunflowers generally have a self-incompatability trait which results in most seeds being hybrid.

If you want to ensure seeds will produce plants like the parent, you could try preventing cross-pollenation by covering the developing flower head with a light fabric bag.

I haven't done this, so I can't give specific directions.
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