Flower
How to grow sunflowers
Big, fast and hard to get wrong.
Overview
Sunflowers grow quickly from seed sown straight into the ground and give dramatic height in a single season. Dwarf varieties suit pots and windy sites; tall varieties need shelter and staking.
Common problems and what to do
Plants blown over
Tall varieties catch wind. Stake early and plant in a sheltered spot.
Seedlings disappearing overnight
Birds and slugs take young shoots. Protect until plants are established.
Drooping heads
Normal as seed fills and heads get heavy, but check watering during long dry spells.
Harvesting
Cut for the vase just as petals begin to open. For seed, leave heads until the back turns brown and dry.
Beginner tips
- Sow a few every couple of weeks for a longer display.
- Leave a head or two standing for birds in fall.
- Choose dwarf types for balconies and containers.
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