Helianthus annuus

Annual, open-pollinated.

Introduced from Russia before the 1900s.  It produces massive heads with abundant seeds, and it used to be planted for feeding horses and chickens. The stalks become thick, woody stems that can be used as stakes the following year.  These are also great seeds for snacking. 

35-40 seeds per pack. 

Seed starting:

I recommend direct seeding sunflowers directly in the ground after all danger of frost - sow to 1/2inch depth. Sunflowers are very hardy, and grow well in our short season climate. The bigger varieties will grow a big root system with very thick, woody stems.