Helianthus annuus, the common sunflower, is a large annual forb of the genus Helianthus grown as a crop for its edible oil and edible fruits. This sunflower species is also used as wild bird food, as livestock forage, and as an ornamental plant.
Helianthus annuus is native to dry plains, prairies, meadows and foothills in the western U.S., Canada and northern Mexico. It is a coarse, hairy, leafy, fast-growing annual that typically grows 5-10’ tall on stiff upright stalks. The species is a somewhat weedy plant that is now commonly seen growing along roads, fences, fields and in waste areas west of the Mississippi River and is the state flower of Kansas. It is native to Missouri. Species plants feature 3-6” wide sunflowers with orange-yellow rays and brown to purple center disks. Flowers bloom in summer. Genus name comes from the Greek words helios meaning sun and anthos meaning flower. Specific epithet means annual.
Most often planting instructions will suggest planting in loam soil. Loam soil should be rich in minerals and nutrients for the plants and loose enough that roots and spread out and grow strong.
These plants are annual. Sow seeds outdoors after the threat of frost has passed. These plants require an average annual temperature in the range of 6-28°C (42.8-82.4°F).
Whether your potted plants are indoors or outdoors, proper drainage is an essential element to ensure they stay healthy.
