Wyoming brown and gold fresh-cut sunflowers

Experiments were conducted at the University of Wyoming Laramie Research and Extension Center in Laramie, WY to assess the potential for producing cut sunflowers for local consumption. Three cultivars of cut sunflowers, 'Dafna,' 'ProCut Bicolor,' and 'Sunbright Supreme,' were grown year-round in a greenhouse and seasonally in two high tunnels with the objectives of testing the effects of sow date, cultivar, and growing location on days from sowing to harvest, stem length, and saleable yield. Results showed differences between cultivars, time of year, type of season-extending structure, high tunnel orientation, and growing location within a high tunnel on sunflower growth performance and saleability. This study concludes that careful cultivar selection for season and growing location is essential for the successful integration of this quick, easy-to-grow, niche cut flower into current or future greenhouse and high tunnel production cycles in the Wyoming High Plains.