Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Family: Asteraceae
Sunflower grows in full sun and prefers well-drained fertile soil. Water needs: Moderate.
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How to Grow Sunflower
Sunflower growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun, soil conditions listed as Well-drained fertile soil with a soil pH of 6.0-7.5, and Moderate water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 2-11. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Sunflower as 7-14 days, with planting or establishment depth listed as 1 inch. Days to maturity are listed as 70-100 days.
Plant Overview
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is listed in the Asteraceae family and categorized as a flower with an annual life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Beginner.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0014
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Plant type
- Flower
- Life cycle
- Annual
- Growth habit
- Tall upright flowering annual
- Mature height
- Approximately 3-12 ft depending on cultivar
- Mature spread
- Approximately 1-3 ft
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Growing Conditions
Sunflower is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate. The database soil reference is Well-drained fertile soil. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.5, and the listed hardiness range is 2-11.
- Hardiness zones
- 2-11
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Well-drained fertile soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5
- Water needs
- Moderate
- Plant spacing
- 6-24 inches depending on cultivar
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 7-14 days and the seed depth is 1 inch. The listed time to maturity is 70-100 days. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 7-14 days
- Germination temperature
- About 55-85°F
- Seed depth
- 1 inch
- Sowing method
- Direct sow after frost danger has passed or start briefly indoors
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 70-100 days
- Harvest
- Harvest flower heads for display when blooms open; harvest mature seed heads after backs turn yellow-brown and seeds harden
- Propagation
- Primarily by seed
- Pollination
- Flowers attract bees and many other pollinating insects
Garden Information
- Common pests
- Aphids, caterpillars, beetles, birds and squirrels
- Uses
- Ornamental flowers, cut flowers, pollinator gardens, edible seeds and bird feed
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.