Sunflowers typically begin flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.
sunflower
Helianthus divaricatus
The sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus) is a beautiful and hardy perennial flowering plant. This impressive bloom is known for its bright yellow flowers and typically grows to heights of up to three feet tall. Its large paddle-shaped petals, decorated with bright yellow center disks, bring joy and beauty to any flower garden. Sunflowers are incredibly easy to grow and require minimal effort to thrive. The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators and provide years of stunning beauty. Sunflowers are an incredible addition to any garden, and they make a delightful border or accent plant.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 8
Flowers:
Yellow rays with darker yellow center disk Flowers
Sun:
Part shade
Fruits:
brown,gray,black,gray Fruits Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Sunflowers (Helianthus divaricatus) should be watered deeply and infrequently. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the weather or season, this may be once a week or even once every 10 days. Make sure they get about 1-2 inches of water every week. This could include natural rainfall and/or irrigation.
sunlight
Sunflowers require at least 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight per day in order to thrive. Direct sunlight is ideal, but if the location is too hot they may require some midday shade for protection. When grown in the ideal conditions, sunflowers grow best in the morning and late afternoon sunlight, allowing their leaves to absorb the sun’s energy when the sun is at its strongest. Sunflowers prefer to be exposed to sunlight from mid-spring through mid-summer. In warm climates, they can tolerate increased sunlight and can grow until early fall, slowly losing their flowers as the sunlight becomes less intense.
pruning
Sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus) plants should be pruned regularly throughout the season to encourage healthy, plentiful blooms. Pruning should begin when the plants have reached approximately 8-10 inches in height. Pinch off the tips of the tallest stems, cutting them approximately ¼ inch above the new leaf growth. This will encourage the stems to become bushier and more compact. In late summer, while the plant is still in flower, prune the wilted blooms to promote new growth and flower buds for late season blooming. Finally, in late autumn, prune away all damaged, dead or diseased stems, and cut the remaining stems down to 6 inches.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Harvest Fruit
The harvesting of Helianthus divaricatus (sunflower) typically begins in July and continues through September.
Starts Flowering
Sunflowers typically begin flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.
Harvest Fruit
The harvesting of Helianthus divaricatus (sunflower) typically begins in July and continues through September.
Hardiness Map
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.
