Growing Sunflowers

Helianthus annuus

Growing sunflowers. Planting sunflower seeds. How to grow common sunflower plants.

"Sunflower, Kong Hybrid 1 Pkt. (25 seeds)"

Planting sunflowers is simple. That's a good thing since Helianthus annuus is one of America's favorite annual plants. With sunflower varieties of many sizes and colors, it's easy to see why people love growing sunflowers.

Pictures of Sunflowers

Big pictures of sunflowers. Buy sunflower images, pics and framed prints to use in your home decor. Gorgeous sunflower photos will inspire you in decorating with sunflowers.

Types of Sunflowers

Buy Sunflower, Decorative Mix Seeds

No matter how large or tiny the space in which you are growing harvesting sunflowers, there is a Helianthus annuus to fit it. From Teddy Bear mini sunflowers to 14 foot giant sunflowers like Kong and everything in between.

The colors vary just as much as the sizes. Ranging from the pale yellow, nearly white sunflower of Italian White to the burgundy blooms of a red sunflower like Moulin Rouge. There are colorful sunflower varieties for every garden.

Planting Sunflowers

"Sunflower, Baby Bear 1 Pkt. (20 seeds)"

Before planting sunflowers you need to prepare a bed for them. This is simple. Just clear an area--the size is up to you but 3x6 or 3x9 feet makes a nice display--and top it with composted manure. Dig the manure in a little.

There's no need to double dig the bed. The sunflower plant doesn't have very deep roots. As long as the top six inches of the soil is somewhat rich and holds moisture moderately well, it will thrive.

Planting Sunflower Seeds

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Plant the sunflowers seeds 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch deep depending on the size of the seed. Tamp the soil with your foot so that the seeds are in contact with the earth and water gently so as not to disturb them.

If the cats in your neighborhood like to dig in fresh planting beds, lay a net down over the planting area and secure it with rocks to deter them. The net will also deter other seed thieves like squirrels and birds.

Keep the bed moist until the seedlings are well established.

Care of Sunflower Plants

"Sunflower, American Giants Hybrid 1 Pkt. (25 seeds)"

Though your sunflower garden will appreciate regular feeding and watering, it will also tolerate some neglect.

Common sunflower plants are not picky about fertilizer. Anything you have on hand will do.

Planted in full sun in very hot weather they will wilt badly if not kept hydrated. No matter how badly they droop, wait until sundown to water them. Bright sun can cause any water on the leaves to burn them and mar your planting.

Follow my advice and you'll be growing sunflowers from seed with ease.

Sunflowers Seeds

Sunflower, Sunspot Dwarf 55-60 days. Compact bushes just 2' tall. 10-12" flower heads filled with edible seeds.

"Sunflower, Coconut Ice Hybrid 1 Pkt. (25 Seeds)"

"Sunflower, Honey Bear 1 Pkt. (25 seeds)"

"Sunflower, Jade Hybrid 1 Pkt. (25 seeds)"

"Sunflower, Lemon Queen Organic 1 Pkt. (25 seeds)"

Glorious Fall Bouquet All the glorious colors of Fall are featured in this bouquet. Golden sunflowers and red Asiatic lilies are surrounded by Confetti roses, bronze daisy pompons and Matsumoto asters. A sprinkling of oak leaves and a green vase complete the autumn experience.