Bright yellow petals with a light rusty ring surround a dark centre.

Aspect: Full Sun

Growing Zones: Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (refer to Climate Map)

Flowers: Nov;Dec;Jan;Feb;Mar;Apr

Product Type: Sunflowers

Product code: S19

Scientific Name: Helianthus annuus L.

Supplied as: Seeds

Water Wise: No

Colour: Yellow

Planting Time: Aug;Sep;Oct;Nov;Dec;Jan;Feb

End Use: Garden;Cut Flower;Potted

Frost Hardy: No

Height: 100-120cm

Sunflowers: (Zones 1,2,3,4,5) - See also General Bulb Growing Instructions

Plant Sunflower seeds into a friable, well-watered seed bed. It is desirable for the tap root to go down at least 30cm. Dependent on region, but in most southern climates, sunflowers can be planted from mid-August through to late February, provided soil temperatures are above 10C. In Northern climates, sunflowers can be planted in most months but avoid flowering during hot humid summer months. Plant seeds 3-5cm deep roughly 20cm apart; for branched hybrids 30-40cm apart. As a trial, branched (Spray) FleuroSun standard or Compact hybrids could be planted 50cm apart, then the primary bud nipped out at bud-visible stage - to encourage secondary branches and prolong flowering. Irrigate soil well after planting, to a depth of minimum 30cm, then leave for 2-3 weeks, to encourage development of primary tap root. Water vegetative plants only every 7 to 10 days. Avoid surface watering, less-frequent deeper watering is preferred - to optimise plant growth and help plants better tolerate periods of hot or dry weather. From late bud stage through flowering, sunflowers require considerable water, but again water well only 2-3 times per week.