The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual plant with a large daisy-like flower face.
Sunflowers’ large sunny flowers and impressive height make a bold statement. Magnets for bees, Sunflowers also make good cut flowers, and their seeds are edible.
Sunflowers are heliotropic, which means that they turn their flowers to follow the movement of the Sun across the sky east to west, and then returns at night to face the east, ready again for the morning sun. Heliotropism happens during the earlier stages before the flower grows heavy with seeds.
Sowing: It’s best to sow sunflower seeds directly into the garden, rather than sprouting seeds then transplanting
Sunlight: Full Sun. Sunflowers grow best in locations with direct sunlight (6 to 8 hours per day)
Watering: While the plant is small, water around the root zone, about 10-15 cm from the plant. Once established, water deeply and infrequently to promote strong root growth.
Varieties: Teddy Bear, Dwarf Sensation, Evening Sun, Giant Russian, Radiance, Hisun and the list goes on…
