Hopi Black Dye Sunflower (Helianthus annuus also called Tceqa' Qu' Si by the Hopi)
Hopi black dye sunflowers were tended and used by the Hopi people in the Northeast part of what is now considered Arizona. The flowers were adapted to an arid climate and watered using flooded terraces, or planted in washes. The dye was used mainly on fibers for basket making but after sheep were introduced, the dye was also used on wool. Hopi black sunflower seeds  were collected by Native Seed SEARCH in 1978 from the Shungopavi village on the Hopi Reservation for preservation in their heritage seed bank, and further distribution. Plants are annuals and can grow up to 8 feet tall, they may need to be staked or netted. Plant in full sun after your last frost date. Plant at ½” deep. Space plants 12” to 18” apart. Sunflowers like rich soil, fertilize during the growing season for optimum growth. These flowers are loved by bees. If you plant other sunflowers be aware the plants may hybridize and your seeds won’t grow true to type if planted the following season. Birds may steal the seeds, so bagging the seed heads may be needed in some areas to preserve the harvest. Check out my blog post on growing and dyeing with Hopi black dye sunflower for more information. Hopi black dye sunflower dye is pH sensitive and is not colorfast on fabric. Not recommended for dyeing garments. Each packet contains 5 grams of seeds, approximately 60 seeds. Only ships within the United States.