Flowers
Beginner
Annual
Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Photo: Bruce Fritz, U.S. Department of Agriculture · Public domain
About Plant: Sunflower
Towering, cheerful, and irresistible. Sunflowers bring joy to the garden and food for birds. Kids love watching them grow tall.
Growing Profile
SunlightFull Sun (6-8 hrs)
WaterModerate
SoilAverage, well-drained (6.0–7.5)
Spacing6-24 inches
Height3–12 feet
Time to Harvest70-100
Planting Depth1 inch deep
Germination Time7–14 days
Expert Growing Tips
Sow directly after last frost. Stake tall varieties. Leave seed heads for birds in fall.