Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual plant that can grow from 40 cm to almost 8 m in height, depending on the cultivar.
Its large flowers are very popular in gardens and there are a large number of ornamental cultivars, in addition to many agricultural cultivars.
The flowers are usually yellow, but they can also be of various shades of red, orange and brown.
Dwarf cultivars are suitable for large pots, but most cultivars are too large to be grown in pots, and are normally grown only in borders or in the open field.
Plant profile
Common name: Sunflower, SunflowerScientific name: Helianthus annuus
Plant type: Annual / Biennial
Habit: Columnar / Upright
Height: 1.5m - 3m
Spread: 50cm - 1.5m
Foliage: Deciduous
Flower color: Brown, Orange, Red, Yellow
Season of interest: Summer
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Informal Garden, Wildlife Gardens
Planting type: Cut Flowers, Flower borders and bedding, Wall-side Borders
Other characteristics: Flowers for pollinators
Origin
Sunflowers origin is North America
Climate
It adapts well to almost any type of climate, but the temperature should not drop below 5°C during the growing period.
Sunlight
Plant in full sun positions. The flowers will move to be always pointing to the sun during the day, that is why they are commonly known by sunflowers.
Watering
The soil must always remain moist, but not soaked.
Soil
Plant sunflowers in a fertile, deep soil, rich in organic matter and well drained. This plant tolerates a wide range of soil pH, but the ideal is a pH between 6 and 7.5.
Flowering season
It usually starts to bloom about 2 months after germination.
Cultivation cycle
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are annual plants.
Propagation
Propagate Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) by seed, which should be sown at a depth of approximately 2 cm. Germination is fast and usually takes a few days to two weeks.
