Items 1 to 14 of 14 total
Items 1 to 14 of 14 total
Sunflowers
Uses:
- Container
- Specimen or Focal Point
- Food Gardens
Features:
- Cut Flower
- Long Blooming
- Attracts Pollinators
Sunlight:
- Partial Sun to Full Sun
- At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sun
Growing Zones:
- 4-9
- What is My Zone?
True sunflowers (Helianthus) and false sunflowers (Heliopsis) are easy to care for and have a long bloom period. Most of these plants are native to North America and include both annuals and perennials. True sunflowers produce edible seeds or tubers and are often grown as a food crop. False sunflowers are cold hardy perennials with bright blooms that resemble sunflowers, but are usually grown for their ornamental value. Use these plants in garden beds, borders, and containers to attract pollinators and brighten an outdoor space.
About Sunflowers
Genus
Species
Family
Helianthus
Several including Helianthus annuus, Helianthus salicifolius, Heliopsis helianthoides (false sunflower)
Asteraceae
Common Names:
Helianthus, Common Sunflower
Native To:
North America
Plant Type:
Annuals
Foliage Type:
Deciduous, Herbaceous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Flower Color:
Yellow, Orange, Red, White, Bi-color, Purple/Maroon
Flower Bloom Time:
Mid to late summer
Growth Habit:
Clumping, Upright
Attracts:
Bees, Butterflies, Hoverflies, Birds, Squirrels, Rabbits, Ladybugs, Caterpillars
Tolerates:
Drought, Full Sun, Light Frost
Resists:
Deer and Rabbits, Aphid resistance, Leaf spot disease resistance, Japanese beetles
How To Use Sunflowers In The Garden
Sunflowers (Helianthus) come in various sizes and display a warm palette of yellows, oranges, or reds with single or double petals. Their bold flower heads produce seeds that appeal to birds, while the pollen and nectar draw pollinators. Because they grow quickly and remain relatively carefree, sunflowers are often chosen to introduce children and novices to the joys of gardening.
Place tall types near fences or walls for a living screen and position shorter forms in borders or containers for long-lasting summer color. In meadow-style plantings, pair them with other sun-loving annuals or ornamental grasses to create natural focal points. Incorporate them into a pollinator-friendly space, and consider leaving spent heads as a source of seeds for wildlife. Harvest extra seed heads for indoor arrangements or roasting.
Sunflowers Care
Sunflowers require a location with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily and well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Sow seeds directly into the ground or containers after the last frost, planting them 1-2 inches deep and about a foot apart to reduce mildew risk. Water thoroughly upon planting and maintain moist soil until roots establish; thereafter, water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. Initially, sunflowers benefit from nutrient-rich soil or compost; however, over-fertilizing can result in tall, leggy plants with fewer blooms.
Pruning is generally unnecessary for sunflowers, but removing spent blooms can promote additional flowering. For winter care, cut back foliage after it has turned brown and crispy. When growing sunflowers in containers, choose a pot that accommodates the root ball and use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Sow seeds directly into the container and thin out seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Learn More About Sunflowers
Growing Sunflowers From Seed
Where should I sow my sunflower seeds?
If you are starting sunflowers from seed, you can use a seed-starting tray or other small container. Sow about 2-3 seeds per cell to ensure at least one germinates. Once the seedlings sprout true leaves, you can transplant them to a larger pot.
Tips on soil, sunlight, and moisture levels.
To sow sunflower seeds, choose a commercial seed-starter mix or mix your own using 2 parts compost, 2 parts coco coir, and 1 part perlite. If you are starting the seeds indoors, you will need to use supplemental grow lights because sunlight from the window is not intense enough to sustain the seedlings and will cause them to stretch for more light. To start your sunflowers outdoors, wait until the soil warms up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the spring.
What types of pots work best for growing sunflowers?
Select a pot that is a few inches larger than the rootball, so the sunflower has room to grow. You don't want to use a pot that's too big, because the extra soil around the roots will hold onto moisture and may cause rot issues. For growing sunflowers outdoors, make sure the pot is weather-proof and will not crack during a hard freeze. You also don't want the pot tipping over in windy conditions, so a heavy pot or one with a wide base is best.
Sunflowers Companion Plants
Give sunflower companions a position with at least six hours of direct light, moderately fertile soil that drains well, and steady moisture during hot spells. In spring, weigela’s bell‑shaped blossoms and variegated foliage carry the color show while young sunflowers bulk up, and low, daisy‑styled shasta daisies weave a cohesive carpet beneath the taller stalks through midsummer. As temperatures climb, spreading tickseed echoes the yellow palette and feeds pollinators at the same time that upright snapdragons supply contrasting spires and extend bloom into early autumn.
