Learn how to grow Common Woolly Sunflowers (Eriophyllum lanatum) from seed in our online seed planting instructions. Woolly Sunflowers are sometimes listed as Oregon Sunshine, and it will become apparent why as soon as they open. Don’t be fooled by the name though — Eriophyllum are not actually sunflowers.
General
Easy to grow perennial
Latin
Eriophyllum lanatum
Family: Asteraceae
Difficulty: Easy
Hardiness: Hardy to Zone 5
Timing
Direct sow 2-4 weeks before the last frost date to provide the seeds with some time in cool, wet soil with the risk of light frost. Alternately, start them in pre-moistened trays wrapped in plastic, and kept in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks. Germination is slow, so be patient. The seeds can also be planted in autumn so they spend the winter outdoors.
Starting
Cover the seeds to the depth of each seed’s widest part. This will be 2-5mm (1/8 – 1/4″) depending on the fatness of the seeds. Seeds should germinate in 15 to 30 days, so be patient. Ideal temperature for germination is 10°C (50°F).
Growing
Sow or transplant around 15cm (6″) apart into well drained soil in full sun to part shade.