Sunflower

How to care for sunflower

• Light: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) to thrive and produce large blooms. Less light results in leggy plants and fewer flowers.
• Water: Water deeply and regularly, especially when plants are young and during dry periods. Once established, they are somewhat drought-tolerant but benefit from consistent moisture.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage.
• Temperature: Thrives in warm temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). Not frost-tolerant; sow seeds after all danger of frost has passed.
• Humidity: Tolerates average outdoor humidity well. Good air circulation is beneficial to prevent fungal issues.
• Fertilizer: Incorporate compost or a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer into the soil at planting. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote foliage over flowers.
• Propagation: Almost exclusively propagated by seed, typically sown directly into the garden after the last frost. They germinate readily.

Is sunflower toxic to pets?

Pet-safe. Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, though consuming large quantities of plant material may cause mild stomach upset. See our guide to toxic plants for cats and dogs.

Common problems

• Powdery Mildew: Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and consider applying a fungicide in severe cases.
• Birds eating seeds: Cover maturing seed heads with netting or paper bags to protect them from birds.

Did you know?

The sunflower's 'head' is actually made up of thousands of tiny individual flowers called florets, with the outer petals being sterile ray florets and the inner ones being fertile disc florets.

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