Mammoth Russian

Mammoth Russian, also sold as Russian Giant or Mammoth Grey Stripe, is one of the oldest and most familiar giant sunflowers, long grown for its enormous single heads and edible seeds. Reaching nine to twelve feet or more, it produces a single massive flower head up to a foot across, packed with large grey-and-white striped seeds that are excellent for roasting and snacking, and are also a favorite of birds. This open-pollinated heirloom has been a staple of North American gardens for well over a century and is prized as a quick summer screen, a source of seed for wildlife, and a classic children's garden plant. It performs best in full sun with rich soil and staking against wind.