This grew from a seed a squirrel buried for later.
Jeff Childrey
Where to buy sunflowers: Burpee Gardening
Sunflowers say "summer" like no other plant. American natives grown for beauty and seed harvest.
Annual plants with big, daisy-like faces of bright yellow (occasionally red) petals and brown centers ripening into heavy, seed-filled heads. Tall, coarse plants with creeping/tuberous roots and large bristly leaves. Some exceed 16 feet; modern varieties suit small spaces and containers.
Remarkably tough and easy if soil isn't waterlogged. Heat- and drought-tolerant. Excellent cut flowers; attractive to bees and birds.
Planting Sunflowers
- Best in direct sun (6–8 hrs/day); prefer long, hot summers for good flowering.
- Long taproots need room: well-dug, loose, well-draining soil. Prep bed: dig 2 ft deep, ~3 ft across to prevent compaction.
- Well-drained location; prep 2–3 ft circumference to 2 ft depth.
- Thrive in slightly acidic to somewhat alkaline (pH 6.0–7.5).
- Heavy feeders: soil needs nutrient-rich organic matter/composted manure, or slow-release granular fertilizer 8 inches deep.
- If possible, site sheltered from strong winds (along fence/building).
- Decide before planting if you want a sunflower tower.
Planting Sunflower Seeds
- Direct-sow after spring frost danger passes. Ideal soil temp: 55–60°F.
- Give room, especially for branching low-growers. Rows ~30 inches apart (closer for small varieties).
- Plant large seeds ≤1 inch deep, ~6 inches apart, mid-April to late May. Plant multiple; thin to strongest at 6 inches tall.
- Light fertilizer at planting encourages strong roots for wind resistance.
- Stagger plantings over 5–6 weeks for continuous blooms.
- Birds eating seeds? Cover with netting until germination.
Care
- Small plants: water root zone ~3–4 inches from plant. Snail/slug bait around stem helps.
- Established plants: water deeply but infrequently for deep roots. Weekly with several gallons unless weather extreme.
- Feed sparingly; overfertilization causes fall stem breakage. Dilute fertilizer in water; avoid plant base (build moat ~18 inches out).
- Tall types need support. Bamboo stakes work well for strong single stems needing temporary support.
Pests and Diseases
- Birds/squirrels love seeds. Use barriers if harvesting. Cover mature heads with white polyspun fleece as they droop.
- Deer: tall wire barrier.
- Relatively insect-free. Small gray moth lays eggs in blossoms—pick worms off.
- Downy mildew, rust, powdery mildew. Early fungal detection: spray general garden fungicide.
Harvest and Storage
Cut Flowers
- Cut main stem just before bud opens to encourage side blooms.
- Cut early morning; midday heat causes wilting.
- Handle gently; lasts 1+ week in room-temp water.
- Use tall containers for heavy heads; change water daily.
Harvesting Seeds
- Watch for ripeness: head back turns green→yellow; bracts dry brown (~30–45 days post-bloom, 35% moisture). Brown back = ready.
- Cut head ~4 inches below flower; remove seeds with fingers/fork.
- Protect from birds: cover with cheesecloth/rubber band, or cut early and hang upside down indoors/securely until dry.
Recommended Varieties
Beyond towering 8-ft giants, some top out at 15 inches.
- 'Mammoth' – Traditional giant; great for snacks/bird feed.
- 'Autumn Beauty' – Spectacular 6-inch flowers in yellow, bronze, mahogany on branching 7-ft stems.
- 'Sunbeam' – Standout bouquet flower; van Gogh type on 5-ft plant with 5-inch pollenless golden-yellow rays.
- 'Teddy Bear' – 2–3 ft, perfect for small gardens/containers. Fluffy deep-gold 5-inch blossoms last days in vase.
Wit & Wisdom
- Bird feeder? Save dry heads for winter.
- Thick stems = winter kindling.
- 1987: Anonymous buyer paid $39M+ for van Gogh's Sunflowers.
- Kansas = "The Sunflower State."
Here and yonder, high and low,
Goldenrod and sunflowers glow.
–Robert Kelley Weeks (1840–76)
Cooking Notes
- Small black seeds: cooking oil, margarine, cosmetics, animal feed; best for songbird variety.
- Large striped seeds: snacking, bread, health foods; feed larger birds (jays, mourning doves).
- Eating: dry on plant. Rub off; soak overnight in 1 gal water + 1 cup salt; oven-dry 250°F 4–5 hrs; store airtight.
- Seed removal: rub head across old washboard.
