This heirloom was originally introduced to the states in the 1880's, and is still the most popular sunflower around. Russian Mammoth (Helianthus annuus) towers over the garden to heights of up to 12 feet! The sunflower heads can reach a diameter of up to 2 feet across, and are loaded with large, delicious seeds. Necessarily thick stalks support the big flowers, and provide excellent biomass for the compost pile. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, and the mature seeds will certainly bring the birds! Annual