Sunflowers typically begin flowering in late July or early August.
sunflower
Helianthus 'Happy Days'
Sunflower (Helianthus 'Happy Days') is an ornamental stunner and a brilliant addition to any sunny garden. Large flowers in a warm orange-bronze color will brighten up any space with its ebullient bloom. The plants are fast-growing and disease resistant, making them perfect for low maintenance landscaping. The flowers measure up to 7 inches in diameter, and they are often anchored by tall, strong stalks that measure up to 4-7 feet tall. These sunflowers are also excellent bee attractors, and provide welcome respite for both hungry and tired bees. A truly delightful sight to behold is that of buzzing bees amidst a garden of these deep bronzed happy days sunflowers.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 9
Flowers:
Yellow Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Sunflowers require regular watering, especially during the first few weeks of growth. Water your sunflower once a week (or as needed if there is no rainfall) with approximately 1 inch of water. Water the soil lightly and evenly around the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the leaves and flowers as much as possible. Take care not to overwater as sunflowers are prone to root rot when too much water is present.
sunlight
The sunflower (Helianthus 'Happy Days') prefers full sun, which means it should receive 6 to 8 hours of direct, unmoving sunlight each day. If in an area with intense, full sun, some midday shade is beneficial. While direct morning sunlight and afternoon shade is ideal, this sunflower is somewhat shade tolerant and will still thrive with full, direct sun all day.
pruning
Sunflowers (Helianthus 'Happy Days') should be pruned in late spring, or after flowering has stopped. Pruning should be kept light: deadheading spent flowers, removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and shortening excessively long stems. The main idea is to tidy the plant up and remove any unsightly growth, without reducing the overall size of the plant. Sunflowers can be lightly sheared, if desired, to keep them looking neat and tidy.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
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.
