Sunflowers . They ’re like the biography of the garden company . vainglorious , bold , and inconceivable to ignore . If you ’ve never planted one , think a flush that stands so grandiloquent it makes you feel like you ’ve just meet a celebrity . The flower petal are burnished enough to make you squinch , and the seeds — oh , the seeds — perfect for snacking or contribute to just about anything . They ’re not just reasonably look , though . Sunflowers are the ultimate survivors . They love the sun ( obviously ) and fly high in just about any soil .

They bloom in the summertime , and if you plant them right , you ’ll have a solid show of colouring that ’ll make all your neighbors covetous . And the best part ? you’re able to uprise them in just about any outer space . Whether you ’re in a sprawling backyard or a cozy urban balcony , there ’s always room for a sunflower or two . But be admonish , they ’ll call for some blank space to debase out and show off .

Sunflowers can be a little impoverished at first — lachrymation and perhaps a little redundant beloved during their first few workweek — but once they ’re settle in , they ’re somewhat low - sustainment . Just stand back , and catch them uprise magniloquent than you ever expect . And if you ’re lucky , they might even give you a few of those glorious seeds to nosh on when it ’s all enunciate and done .

How to Grow Sunflowers

Growing sunflowers is a rewarding and comparatively light horticulture experience that can add vivacious color and height to your garden .

helianthus ( Helianthus annuus ) are known for their great , cheerful bloom that track the sunshine throughout the 24-hour interval .

Choosing the Right Variety

Planting Sunflowers

Growing Sunflowers

Caring for Sunflowers

Harvesting Sunflowers

Winter Care

Sunflowers Growing Zone

Sunflowers are quite various and can raise in a wide range of growing zone , typically between USDA zones 2 and 11 .

They thrive well in zone 4 to 9 , where they get full sun and warm temperatures . Sunflowers choose long , hot summers , and they can tolerate a motley of ground types as long as the soil is well - enfeeble .

Growing Sunflowers FAQ

Sunflowers are well constitute in the spring , after the last hoarfrost has passed and the soil temperature is at least 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) . This is typically in late April to former June , depending on your location .

plant life helianthus seeds about 1 - 2 inches ( 2.5 - 5 cm ) late in the soil . Space the seeded player about 6 column inch ( 15 cm ) apart for little varieties and up to 2 foot ( 60 cm ) apart for larger types .

Sunflowers require full sun , which means they need at least 6 - 8 hours of direct sunlight each day . They fly high in bright , cheery spots .

The superlative of sunflowers varies depending on the variety . Dwarf varieties may only reach 1 - 3 feet ( 30 - 90 cm ) , while giant sunflowers can get over 10 feet ( 3 meter ) tall .

Sunflowers typically bloom 70 to 100 sidereal day after planting , depending on the mixture and growing conditions .

Yes , helianthus can be grown in pots . opt a large container with proficient drainage and use a high - timber potting mix . midget potpourri are better suit for container gardening .

On average , a helianthus plant can ease up between 1,000 to 2,000 seed . Some tumid varieties , especially those get under optimum conditions , can produce even more , potentially up to 4,000 seeds per plant .

Start by take nanus sunflower varieties . Plant the seeds in a well - draining pot with productive , loamy soil , and place the slew in a sunny placement . Water the sunflowers regularly , maintain the soil moist but not waterlogged . As the plants grow , deliberate staking them for reinforcement , peculiarly if they become top - ponderous .