Helianthus annuus
Every day is sunny in a garden featuring these popular giants. Glowing yellow petals surround a large, seed-filled center. Seeds can be roasted as snack food or dried for birdseed. Fast and easy to grow. Ht. 6-8 ft.
Light | Full sun |
Bloom time | Mid-Late |
Plant spacing | 18-24 inches |
Planting depth | 1 inch |
Days to germinate | 10-14 |
Plant height | 6-8 feet |
Gardener’s Notes: Plant in late spring only after nights stay above 50F (10C). Or, start indoors 2-3 weeks before planting outdoors. Small seedlings plant best. Outdoors, plant in average, well-drained soil, spacing seeds 4 inches apart. Thin seedlings when 3 inches tall to stand 1 feet apart. Water regularly during the growing season. Cover flower head with paper bag as seeds begin to turn brown and ripen to harvest as snacks.