SHOWTIME CLEARFIELD SUNFLOWERS
The Ultimate Dove Hunting Plot.
Built for consistency, resilience, and attraction, Showtime™ Clearfield Sunflowers deliver the perfect blend of agronomic performance and wildlife appeal. This medium-maturity variety produces uniform, high-quality stands with a strong stalk structure and dependable disease resistance — making it a proven performer across a wide range of growing conditions.
Protected with Maxim® 4FS and Apron XL® seed treatments, Showtime™ establishes quickly and resists common seed and soil-borne diseases for healthy early growth. Whether you’re managing for doves, deer, or upland birds, this variety produces high-yield, black-seeded heads that wildlife can’t resist.
At the Backwoods Testing Grounds™, Showtime™ has earned its name — offering unmatched durability, visual appeal, and consistent results that hold up even under tough Southern conditions.
WHEN THE SUN’S OUT, IT’S SHOWTIME.™
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SHOWTIME CLEARFIELD SUNFLOWERS
Why Hunters Plant Showtime Sunflowers
Fast Canopy, Less Weeds
Jumps quick in warm soils to throw shade and protect tender seedlings.
Bird & Dove Magnet
High-oil, black heads that load up birds right on schedule.
Tough Summer Structure
Stout stalks and deep roots hold up under heat, wind, and browse.
Stays Standing
Strong stalk (8/10) and root (9/10) ratings for reliable stand-ability.
Drought Resilient
Keeps growing once it’s rooted; handles summer swings.
Timing That Fits
~65 days to flower, ~95 days to maturity—easy to plan around dove opener and fall prep.
100%
Clearfield Sunflowers
Selected for wildlife plots: quick start, strong stalk, high-oil seed.
You're Going To Need A Bigger Grill.™
Planting Information
PREPARATION:
Begin with a clean, level seed bed to ensure even distribution and maximize germination success. Remove all weeds and debris to minimize competition and promote excellent seed-to-soil contact.
SOIL TESTING & FERTILIZATION:
Perform a soil test to determine nutrient levels and pH. Lime as needed to target pH 6.0–7.5. Apply fertilizer according to soil test recommendations. Where a test isn’t available, apply 40–60 lbs N/acre split (20–30 lbs at planting +20–30 lbs at 3–4 weeks) and applyP & K per regional guidelines. (Avoid excessive N on blends with tender legumes.)
SEED RATE:
Broadcasting on Prepared Seed Bed: Apply Showtime™ Sunflower at 10 lbs per acre.
No-Till Broadcasting: Increase the seeding rate by20–25% to ensure full coverage.Drilling/Planter: Plant5 lbs per acre for best seed-to-soil contact and efficient stand establishment (target12–22K plants/ac; 15–30" rows).
PLANTING DEPTH:
Sow seed at a depth of½" to 1". When broadcasting, use a drag or cultipacker tolightly cover and press seed into the soil for improved germination.
TIMING:
Plant Showtime™ Sunflower in spring or early summer when soil temperatures reach 60–65°F or above. Early planting supports fast canopy, weed shading, and timely head set for birds.
MOISTURE:
Ensure the soil is adequately moist during planting. Supplement with irrigation if rainfall is limited. Consistent moisture during establishment is essential for uniform emergence and vigorous growth.
ADJUSTED PLANTING RATES BASED ON SEED PURITY & GERMINATION:
The recommended planting rates assume 100% Pure Live Seed (PLS) and100% germination. Actual seed purity and germination vary by lot and should be accounted for when determining the appropriate seeding rate. To find the adjusted rate, multiply thePLS and germination percentages (as decimals), then divide the label rate by that value. Adjusting for PLS and germ % ensures proper seed coverage and maximizes plot success.
Rule: Plant after last frost whensoil ≥ 60–65°F, ideally90–100 days before first frost to reach full 10–12 ft maturity.
- Zone 1 – Deep South:
March – June - Zone 2 – Mid-South:
April – June - Zone 3 – Midwest / Central Plains:
May – June - Zone 4 – Upper Midwest:
Late May – June - Zone 5 – Central Plains/PNW-east:
May – June (earlier at lower elevations) - Zone 6 – Pacific Northwest:
May – June
Frequently Asked Questions
Deer are eating the leaves off - will they wipe it out?
Early browsing is common. Plant enough acres, hit the rates/depth, and consider temporary fencing for 2–3 weeks in small plots to get past seedling stage.
Do I need nitrogen on sunflowers?
Yes. Use your soil test; if not available, apply 40–60 lbs N/ac split (20–30 at plant + 20–30 at 3–4 weeks). Include P & K per test.
Sunflower head moth - what do i do?
Scout at early bloom. If pressure is present, treat with a labeled insecticide at the recommended timing/rate. Follow labels and local regs.