Sunflower
KEY INFORMATION
Height: from 45cm to 300cm+
Spread: to 30cm
Hardy annual
Full sun
Germination: 10 - 21 days
VARIETIES AVAILABLE FROM COLLIE FLOWERS
Ms Mars
SOWING & GROWING SCHEDULE
Sow Indoors: March to April
Sow Outdoors: April to June
Plant Out: May to June
Blooms: July to September
Growing Guide
Sunflowers come in a range of sizes and colours, with many now having multiple flower heads from a single stalk.
Sow indoors in March and April in individual 9cm pots. Sow 2 seeds per pot, 1cm deep in compost. Discard the weakest seedling after germination. Grow on until the risk of frost has passed, gradually aclimatising the plants before planting out.
Alternatively from April to June sow seeds thinly, 1cm deep in drills 30cm apart in well cultivated soil raked to a fine tilth. When large enough to handle, thin seedlings to 30cm apart.
TOP TIPS
Sunflowers prefer a well drained soil in full sun. Tall varieties may need staking if sited in a particularly windy area.
For varieties offering multiple flowerheads deadhead regularly to encourage continuous flowering. If space allows once the flowers are spent at the end of the season leave the heads to form seeds which will provide food for wildlife through the winter.