Sunflower

Sunflower Care

Helianthus annuus

What is the plant

Sunflowers are some of the most recognizable and iconic annual flowers in the world. Produce from this plant, namely sunflower oil and seeds, carry great culinary and nutritional values. These would be vivid additions to a garden with oversized flowers that bring the colors of the sun closer to you.

Helianthus annuus are beloved summertime flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. With their broad central disks and short, yellow petals, these flowers typically measure 3 to 6 inches (7.5-15 cm) across, being the main identification feature of the plant. Growing on tall, sturdy stems, sunflowers can have single or multiple blooms. Their rough, hairy leaves are oval to triangular in shape. Being annuals, sunflowers complete their life cycle within a year.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

18°C - 30°C

Hardiness zone

6a - 11b

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

Invasive

Weed

How to Care for the Plant

Container
For optimal growth, it's recommended to plant sunflowers in large containers like 7 to 10-gallon (26.5-38 liters) fabric pots or plastic containers with a diameter of at least 10 to 12 inches (25.5-30.5 cm). If your chosen pot doesn't have drainage holes, you can easily add them using a drill. Keep in mind that growing sunflowers in containers requires regular watering, sturdy support, and possibly additional structures like a fence or table to prop the pot against, which is why, most often, dwarf cultivars are the ones that go in the pot.
Fun fact
Sunflowers have a fascinating habit called heliotropism. As they grow, they follow the sun's path across the sky, facing east in the morning and turning west by the evening. This behavior, known as heliotropism, allows the sunflowers to make the most of sunlight, aiding in their photosynthesis and overall growth.
Popularity
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