Sunflowers
Sunflowers, with their cheerful faces turned towards the sun, are symbols of optimism, warmth, and the beauty of nature. Their golden-yellow petals radiate joy, making them a favorite in gardens and floral arrangements alike. From the classic tall varieties to the more recent dwarf and colored hybrids, sunflowers offer a delightful range for every garden enthusiast.
This section shines a light on the vibrant world of sunflowers, sharing insights into their diverse types, cultivation tips, and the history behind these sunny blooms. Whether you’re looking to create a backyard sunflower meadow or simply enjoy their uplifting presence, let’s celebrate these sun-chasing wonders together.
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How to grow sunflowers
Sunflowers are easy and gratifying to grow. Start by choosing a sunny spot in the garden and choosing a variety with your desired height, bloom…
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How tall is a sunflower?
How tall is a sunflower? Most grow 3 to 8 feet. Dwarf types stay under 3 feet, and giants reach 8 to 14 feet. What…
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How deep to plant sunflower seeds
Plant sunflower seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep, a little deeper for giant types and sandy soil. Spacing, soil temperature and microgreen tips.
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How long does it take for a sunflower to grow?
Most sunflowers bloom 70 to 120 days after sowing, and seeds ripen 30 to 45 days later. Timing by variety and growth stage.
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When is sunflower season?
Sunflower season runs July to October and peaks in late August to early September. See days to bloom by type and how climate and planting…
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When to harvest sunflower seeds
When to harvest sunflower seeds: the signs a head is ready, how to protect it from birds, how to cut and dry it, and how…
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When to plant sunflower seeds
May is generally the best time of year to plant sunflowers in most parts of the United States. In general, it is safest to plant…
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How to harvest sunflower seeds
To harvest sunflower seeds, wait until the flowers have wilted and the back of the flower head has turned yellow or brown. Cut the stem…
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Winter sowing sunflowers: step-by-step milk jug method
How to winter sow sunflowers in milk jugs: when to sow (March or April), container prep, seed depth, outdoor placement, and transplanting after frost.
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10 sunflower garden ideas for hedges, bouquets, mazes, and pots
10 sunflower garden ideas: privacy hedges, cutting gardens, a backyard maze, an east-facing photo backdrop, walkway borders, and dwarf sunflowers in pots.
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10 florist sunflowers
Florist sunflowers are specialty hybrids of the common sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) bred for cut flower production. These selections produce one large bloom per stem…
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10 branching sunflowers for weeks of blooms
10 branching sunflowers for long blooms and bouquets, from Lemon Queen to Soraya, plus spacing, pinching, and which types are pollen-free.
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10+ dwarf sunflowers
12 dwarf sunflowers for pots and borders, with heights and bloom times for Suntastic, Teddy Bear, Big Smile, and more.
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How to save sunflower seeds
How to save sunflower seeds: pick open-pollinated varieties, prevent cross-pollination, harvest and dry the heads, and store the seeds.
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Growing sunflowers in pots
Did you know that growing sunflowers in pots is easier than you might think? By starting with smaller varieties and following a few simple gardening…
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Types of sunflowers
The 5 main types of sunflowers (tall, dwarf, florist, branching, and perennial) with popular varieties of each and what to grow them for.
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Skyscraper sunflower
‘Skyscraper’ sunflower is known for its height of about 12′ tall and masses of bright flowers. These branching plants each grow multiple flowers and tend…
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7+ sunflower varieties
Sunflower cultivars cover much more ground than the standard tall yellow type most people picture first. Within Helianthus annuus, there are giant seed strains, branching…
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Tall sunflowers
Tall sunflowers typically reach a height of 12 to 16 feet but can grow taller in optimal growing conditions. Popular tall sunflower varieties to grow…
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18 companion plants for sunflowers (and 2 to keep away)
18 companion plants for sunflowers, from crimson clover and squash to marigolds, plus which crops to keep 12 inches away and why potatoes need their…
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How to plant sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds can be planted outdoors in garden soil or containers after the last spring frost. Sunflowers prefer well-drained soil and a full sun planting…
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Autumn Beauty sunflower
Autumn Beauty sunflower: a branching, open-pollinated mix in fall colors. When and how to sow, spacing, water, pests and seed saving.
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Lemon Queen sunflower: a branching bee magnet
Lemon Queen sunflower grows 5 to 7 feet tall with dozens of pale yellow blooms that bees love. How to plant, space, and care for…
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Velvet Queen sunflower
‘Velvet Queen’ sunflower (Helianthus annuus ‘Velvet Queen’) is a branching heirloom sunflower with deep burgundy to rusty orange petals. Plants grow five to seven feet…
