Plant Type

Annual

 

Height Range

1-3', 3-6', 6-12'

 

Flower Color

Gold, Orange, Red, Yellow, Multi-Colored

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green, Light Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Background, Perennial Border, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Hummingbirds

Sunflowers are vigorous, erect, plants with large, daisy-like flowers with central discs. Colors are from pale yellow and cream to rustic terra cotta and browns. The plants range from dwarfs only 12 inches tall to giants that can reach 10 to 12 feet. Fabulous cut flowers; edible seeds; and highly attractive to birds.

Sunflowers are easily started from seed, sowing directly in the garden. Seed Savers Exchange recommends starting seed in the garden after the last frost (this is sort of a variable date - figure somewhere around the end of April or early May). Sunflowers like full sun, though they will tolerate light shade. Taller varieties may need staking. Leave the seeds to ripen for the birds, or harvest and eat them yourself.