Helianthus annuus

Sunflower

Sunflowers are a top US search flower for gardens, photos, and seed harvest — bold annuals that track the sun and bloom midsummer.

Easy umhirðaAnnualFull sunPollinator

Skoða myndasafn

Yfirlit um umhirðu

Birta

Full sun

Essential — shade produces weak, floppy stems.

Vökvun

Weekly deep

Keep evenly moist until established; drought-tolerant later.

Hitastig

70–85°F

Warm-season annual; plant after frost risk passes.

Rakastig

Low–moderate

Open sites with breeze prevent mildew on leaves.

Jarðvegur

Average

Tolerant soils; avoid waterlogged beds.

Öruggt fyrir gæludýr

Generally safe

Seeds and petals are usually fine; avoid treated seed mixes.

Sowing
Direct sow after last frost 1 inch deep. Thin seedlings so giants have room for roots.
Support
Stake varieties over 5 ft early. Wind and heavy flower heads snap stems.
Water & feed
Deep watering beats frequent sprinkles. Light fertilizer midseason helps branching types.
Harvest
Cut for vases when petals just open. For seed, wait until the back of the head yellows.