This big seedling and two smaller siblings at its base are from an attempted pollination of Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) by pollen of 'Red Sun' sunflower (Helianthus annuus). One of my goals for this cross is to expand the flower color range of the perennial sunflower types - into the orange/red zone.
I don't expect this seedling to have red flowers but am hoping it'll at least have a rusty orange eye pattern, which would be a good first step.
Well... wouldn't you know it... the flower was just plain yellow. So, I don't know if it's a hybrid, partial hybrid or selfing. Maybe that'll be more obvious as it gets more size next season.
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