sunflower
Helianthus annuus cvs.
Cycle:
Annual
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
9
Flowers:
Showy, White, Yellow, Orange, Red, Dark-red, (cv. 'Big Smile' is yellow and cv. 'Velvet Queen' is red) Flowers In Summer
Sun:
Full sun
Soil:
Well-drained
Fruits:
Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
watering
Sunflowers require a lot of water to thrive. Water your sunflower deeply and thoroughly once a week during periods of active growth, typically between spring and fall. Make sure to keep the soil around the plant moist but not waterlogged. If it’s particularly hot and sunny, you may need to water your sunflower more frequently. Additionally, give your sunflower a good drenching of water when the flower buds appear, as this will help them fully bloom. When watering, avoid the flower and water at the base of the plant.
sunlight
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus cvs.) require 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight per day during the spring and summer in order to thrive. During the late summer and early fall, sunflowers need slightly less direct sunlight, about 6 to 8 hours per day. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves of the plant, causing them to become discolored and eventually die. For optimum health, sunflowers should be planted in a sunny location where they will receive the required amount of sunlight.
pruning
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus cvs.) should be pruned in late winter or very early spring. Pruning should not be performed until stems are at least 12 inches long. Major pruning should be done back to a height between 1 and 2 feet. This will encourage new stems and encourage new flowers and promote bushier growth. Deadheading flowers is recommended to continue to promote bushy growth, and to remove spent flowers that are no longer attractive. Pruning should also be used to reduce the overall size of the sunflower plant if necessary.
FAQ
Are sunflower seeds edible?
Yes, sunflower seeds are edible and are enjoyed around the world. Sunflower seeds have a nutty flavor and can be eaten either raw or roasted. Popular forms of eating sunflower seeds include tossing them in salads, sprinkling them in stir fry dishes, using them as an ingredient in baked goods, and snacking on them as a healthy and tasty snack. Sunflower seeds are available both with and without their shells, depending on the preference of the consumer.
Are there any pests that commonly attack sunflowers?
Yes, there are several pests that commonly attack sunflowers, such as European corn borer, aster leafhoppers, cabbage loopers, and potato leafhoppers. These pests can all cause significant damage to the plant, such as wilting of the leaves, stunted growth, and loss of petals. Preventative measures, such as proper maintenance and pesticides can help reduce their numbers and damage to the sunflowers.
Are sunflowers an annual or perennial plant?
Sunflowers are an annual plant, meaning they will only live for one growing season. This typically falls within the summer months as sunflowers will reach maturity within two to three months after planting. They will typically flower and then die off before the following season, making them an annual plant.
Could sunflowers grow in a greenhouse or indoor garden?
Yes, sunflowers can be grown in a greenhouse or indoor garden. Sunflowers require bright, direct light, but if a greenhouse or indoor garden is equipped with special lighting, sunflowers can grow successfully. When growing them indoors, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and that they are getting the appropriate amount of light, water and nutrients. When the conditions are right, even the tallest varieties of sunflowers can be successfully grown indoors.
Should sunflowers be planted in the spring or fall?
Sunflowers should be planted in the spring, as soon as the last frost has passed and the soil is warm. Planting in the spring ensures that your sunflowers get plenty of heat and sunshine to spur growth and yield beautiful blooms. In more northern climates, however, you might need to stagger your planting dates over the spring so that they are not all exposed to extreme cold.
How long does it take for a sunflower to bloom?
Sunflowers have a relatively short blooming season, typically lasting only a few weeks. After pollination, the flower buds will typically form within 5-10 days and open up within 8-12 days. This means a sunflower can take anywhere between 8 and 20 days to bloom after pollination. Factors such as genetics, soil temperature, and light availability can influence the amount of time it takes a sunflower to bloom.
Do sunflowers attract bees and butterflies?
Yes, sunflowers are very attractive to bees and butterflies. Sunflower petals offer a generous amount of nectar, providing an excellent food source for these pollinators. Sunflowers also offer protection from predators and the elements for the bees and butterflies. The bright yellow color of the sunflower petals are also visually appealing to these insects, drawing them in from miles away!
Is the sunflower a symbol of happiness?
The sunflower is often associated with happiness and joy, usually because of its bright yellow petals and attractive appearance. Sunflowers can also be seen as symbols of loyalty and warmth, as they have a tendency to always follow the sun and turn towards the light. The sunflower is often used as a representation of faith or loyalty, and its natural beauty can provide us with a sense of joy and optimism.
