Species common sunflower Guide
yellow, multi layered flowers with dark brown stamens green sepals and stems

common sunflower

Helianthus annuus

Cycle:

Annual

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

2 - 11

Flowers:

Yellow, red, mahogany, bicolor rays with brown to purple center disk Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

brown,gray,black,gray Fruits Ready In Autumn

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Sunflowers need a lot of water to thrive -- about 1-1.5 inches per week. To maintain ideal soil moisture, water your common sunflowers deeply when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry. Monitor your soil moisture levels consistently so you can adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Soak the ground and about 3 feet of air around the plants every 5 to 7 days.

sunlight

Common sunflowers require a minimum of 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. However, for optimum growth, they should receive 8 to 12 hours of direct sunlight, with midday being the best time for sun exposure. Planting in a south-facing area is the best for common sunflowers as it is likely to get maximum exposure of the sun’s rays throughout the day.

pruning

Common sunflowers prefer well-drained soil and full sun, and can tolerate some light shade. Pruning should be done after the first round of blooms have faded, generally in the late summer or fall after the seed heads have been harvested. For best results, prune the sunflower plants back to about 18 to 24 inches in height. Be sure to remove all dead, diseased, or damaged stems and branches from the sunflower plants. Prune away any weak or spindly stems and any stems that are not producing blooms. Cut the plants down to their base, close to the ground and move on to the next plant. Perform any necessary fertilizing after pruning and continue to water and fertilize your sunflowers properly. Regular pruning will encourage the growth of new buds and blooms for the next growing season.