Category: Sunflowers

Sunflowers are easy and gratifying to grow. Start by choosing a sunny spot in the garden and choosing a variety with your desired height, bloom color, and any other desired characteristics. Sunflower seeds are generally planted directly into outdoor soil around the time of the last spring frost. Water the seeds and seedlings as they…

Most sunflowers grow to about 6 feet tall. This includes many popular ornamental varieties grown in gardens and by flower farmers, as well as black oil types grown for pressing into sunflower oil. Tall sunflower varieties tend to grow more like 10-14 feet tall in good conditions. Dwarf sunflowers usually grow to a maximum height…

Most sunflower seeds are sown between a 1/2-inch and 1-inch deep. Varieties with small seeds, like many dwarf and florist varieties, do well at the shallower range, while the larger seeds of tall and giant-head varieties should be planted deeper. Plant seeds a little deeper in sandy soil than in types with more clay/silt, as…

Most sunflowers take about 2-3 months to grow from a seed to a mature plant. Shorter types with a single head may bloom less than two months after the seed is planted, while giant sunflowers may not bloom until 3-4 months after planting. Some varieties can grow multiple flower heads, extending the blooming period until…

Sunflower season falls in August-September in most climates. The peak of the flowers blooming usually occurs in late August to early September. Sunflower blooming season generally aligns with back-to-school and with annual fall fairs and events to mark the start of the harvest season. Sunflower seeds are typically harvested later in September. When is sunflower…

Sunflower seeds are commonly harvested in September when the petals have all fallen off, and the back of the flower head is turning yellow or brown. When the seeds are ready, the sunflower heads droop, curl back on themselves, and the back of the heads turns a yellow-brown color (no longer green). The tiny petals…

May is generally the best time of year to plant sunflowers in most parts of the United States. In general, it is safest to plant sunflower seeds after the last frost date in your area, but they can be planted up to 4 weeks before the last frost date. Just be sure to protect the…

To harvest sunflower seeds, wait until the flowers have wilted and the back of the flower head has turned yellow or brown. Cut the stem about 4 inches below the head and hang the entire flower upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area for about a week to dry. Then, remove the seeds from the…

Sunflowers can transform your garden into a lively, welcoming space. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, incorporating sunflowers can create a stunning visual impact. From classic garden layouts to innovative design tips, get ready to brighten your outdoor area with the charm and cheer of sunflowers. 1. Plant a hedge of…

Florist sunflowers are special sunflower varieties bred for beauty, uniformity, and lack of pollen. These flowers tend to grow on single-headed plants, with each planted seed producing one flower. Whether you are a sunflower florist or just enjoy making custom arrangements, there are some beautiful sunflower varieties to choose from. Here are ten gorgeous varieties…

Branching sunflowers produce multiple stems and blooms from a single plant. The main stem puts off many side shoots, each capable of developing its own flower head. This characteristic leads to a more extended flowering period, as not all blooms open at the same time. Branching sunflowers come in a variety of sizes and colors,…

Dwarf sunflowers are just as gorgeous as their taller counterparts. While they also produce seeds, they aren’t as enjoyable as the larger variety. Dwarf sunflowers are lovely plants to enjoy in late spring, summer, and early fall. Plant sunflowers like these in your home garden or in a container to give as a gift. There…

Did you know that growing sunflowers in pots is easier than you might think? By starting with smaller varieties and following a few simple gardening tips, you can enjoy the fun of watching these vibrant beauties come to life. 1. Choose dwarf varieties When choosing which varieties of sunflowers to plant in pots, consider dwarf…

There are dozens of varieties of sunflowers, and they come in all sorts of heights, colors, and growth habits. Most sunflower varieties fit into one of five broad categories: tall sunflowers, dwarf sunflowers, florist sunflowers, branching sunflowers, and perennial sunflowers. Each of these different types of sunflowers has appropriate applications in the garden. 1. Tall…

‘Skyscraper’ sunflower is known for its height of about 12′ tall and masses of bright flowers. These branching plants each grow multiple flowers and tend to reach maturity about 70-75 days after planting. The 10″-14″-wide flowers are yellow, and the foliage is dark green. These large plants benefit from staking and grow well beside a…

There are an endless number of different varieties of sunflowers available for planting. There are giant sunflowers that tower over the garden, sunflowers that branch and grow multiple flowers, standard 6′-tall florist sunflowers, and tiny little dwarf sunflower varieties. Here are 7+ of the best sunflower varieties to consider when you’re shopping for sunflower seeds.…

Tall sunflowers typically reach a height of 12 to 16 feet but can grow taller in optimal growing conditions. Popular tall sunflower varieties to grow include Mammoth Sunflower, Mongolian Giant Sunflower, Skyscraper Sunflower, and American Giant Sunflower. Some types require staking, especially in windy areas. The tallest sunflower ever reached an incredible record height of…

Sunflower seeds can be planted outdoors in garden soil or containers after the last spring frost. Sunflowers prefer well-drained soil and a full sun planting location but tolerate less-than-perfect conditions. Plant each seed about ½”-1″ deep and cover the seeds lightly with garden soil. Sunflower seeds are generally spaced about 12″ – 24″ apart. Water…

Autumn Beauty is a variety of sunflowers known for their picturesque ombre yellow-orange-brown petals. The plants are low maintenance, sturdy, and easy to grow in the full sun. They bloom in the late summer and early fall. The color of the flowers is a beautiful mixture of reds, yellows, and warm oranges that is reminiscent…

The Lemon Queen sunflower is a multi-branched sunflower cultivar with pale yellow flowers that blooms in the late summer and early fall. These annual plants are easy to grow in full sun and are generally low-maintenance in the garden. The Lemon Queen sunflower is also well-known for its attractiveness to beneficial pollinators such as honeybees.…

Velvet Queen sunflowers are a deep red and orange color, and they grow to be about five to seven feet tall. They have a velvety petal texture and are multi-branching annual sunflowers. They should be planted mid-spring to avoid frost. Velvet Queen sunflowers typically bloom in August or September and make for gorgeous cut flowers.…