Who doesn’t like sunflowers? Their impressive height and large, cheerful blooms bring joy wherever they grow. This 1st of May, celebrate an underground but growing holiday during which people sow sunflower seeds to beautify their communities.

About Guerrilla Gardening

The guerrilla gardening movement plants on abandoned properties as a way of taking back their community spaces. Technically, this practice is often illegal, as the guerrilla gardeners don’t own the spaces. However, it has become a popular and widespread activity that, far from causing harm, only beautifies abandoned spaces.

A famous early guerrilla gardener is the American folk hero John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. He planted acres of apple orchards along the western frontier during the early 1800s.

While Johnny Appleseed was probably looking for a way to turn a profit, modern guerrilla gardeners are more like social warriors. The phrase comes from Liz Christy, the leader of a group called the Green Guerrillas that turned abandoned lots in New York City into gardens in the 1970s.

International Sunflower Guerrilla Gardening Day

Urban guerrilla gardening has grown since the 1970s. It includes groups and movements all over the world. One of these groups created International Sunflower Guerrilla Gardening Day in Brussels, Belgium, in 2007.

It serves as an awareness day for guerrilla gardening, but also an opportunity for newbies to get involved. The sunflower is a great choice for many reasons. It grows easily in a lot of conditions, grows tall to hide unsightly areas, improves soil quality, and of course brightens up spaces.

How to Get Involved

From throwing guerrilla gardening seed bombs onto abandoned properties to more carefully planned plantings, this kind of activism takes a lot of different forms. There is room for everyone and every style, even those not comfortable with fully embracing the guerrilla aspect of the activity. Here are some ways to participate:

• Grow sunflowers on your own property -- If you don’t feel good about planting on property you don’t own, start in your own backyard. Sow sunflower seeds in sunny areas to beautify your own space. Grow them in areas people walking by will see so that everyone in the community can enjoy sunflowers in the fall.
• Work with a community garden -- Find a community or urban garden in your area and volunteer your time. Offer to plant some sunflowers this spring and to do any other work they need help with.
• Contact your city about abandoned spaces -- Your local government might be thrilled to find out you want to put plants into abandoned areas. It never hurts to ask if you can add some cheer to these neglected spaces.
• Go full guerrilla -- Truthfully, not many people will complain if you add some beauty to an area that is otherwise just dirt or garbage. Find abandoned areas with no obvious claims and sow seeds to celebrate the day. It’s best to overseed if using a space you can’t come back to and tend. Not all the seeds will germinate or survive nibbling wildlife.

Growing Sunflowers

If you’re going to do more than simply bomb an area with seeds, make your efforts worthwhile with these steps:

• Find a spot with well-drained soil and at least six hours of sunlight per day.
• Turn the soil over, pull out weeds, and add some compost.
• Plant seeds no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep and at least 6 inches (15 cm) apart.
• Come back in a couple weeks to plant more seeds for staggered flowers in fall.
• If you can, water the spot every week if there isn’t much rain.

Sunflowers are the perfect representatives for guerrilla gardening and gardening as activism. No one can stay mad when they see one of these towering, cheerful flowers sprouting.

We've had the privilege of meeting hundreds of community gardeners all across the globe, all working to reclaim public spaces in the name of gardening, as part of our Community Gardening Sponsorship program. Check out our interview series Community Gardening for Everyone to hear some of their stories.

It's time to think outside the box when it comes to sunflowers. The iconic yellow-petal varieties represent only a portion of the Helianthus species. With a multitude of different color sunflowers in vivid shades of orange, red, and burgundy, you're sure to find one that's just right for that special spot in the garden.

Orange Sunflowers

• Orange Sun – The fuzzy, double-petal flowers of this cultivar are an intriguing change from traditional sunflowers. Expect 6 inch (15 cm.) flowers on 6 to 8 feet (2 m.) tall plants.
• Soraya – An All American Selection winner, Soraya has golden orange petals and a chocolate brown center. This multi-branching variety reaches 4 to 6 feet (1-2 m.) tall.
• Velvet Queen – This variety produces a multitude of 6 to 8 inch (15-20 cm.) wide, dark orange sunflowers. Plants reach 4 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.) tall. 

Red Sunflowers

• Candy Mountain – This giant hybrid produces an abundance of flowers on multi-branching stems. Petal color ranges from cherry red to burgundy with yellow tips. 
• Chianti – Gold-flecked, dark red petals dominate the flowers on this multi-branching variety. Expect a mature height of 4 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.).
• The Joker – An unusual hybrid bicolor sunflower with concentric rings of yellow and red petals on 6 foot tall (2 m.) plants.
• Moulin Rouge – An heirloom dark red sunflower variety with nearly black centers. The petals fade to cherry red at the tips. This branching variety of sunflower can reach 7 feet (2 m.) tall. 
• Pastiche – A variety with mixed flowers that range from buff to lighter shades of red. These multi-branching plants reach 4 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.) tall.
• Ring of Fire – As the name implies, this beautiful 4 to 5 foot (1-1.5 m.) tall, bicolored sunflower has a brown center that is encircled by red petals with golden tips. 
• Strawberry Blonde – The dark centers of these sunflowers contrast nicely with the cream-tipped rosy, pink petals. The 5 to 6 inch (13-15 cm.) flowers grow on multi-branching plants which can reach 6 feet (2 m.) tall.
• Strawberry Lemonade – This multi-branching, 5 to 6 foot (1.5-2 m.) variety produces an abundance of multicolored flowers in shades of lemon, pink, and dark red. 

Burgundy and Dark Sunflowers

• Bashful – This petite 36 inch (91 cm.) tall sunflower has pastel blooms in creamy yellow with a ring of light burgundy surrounding a dark center. The 4 inch (10 cm.) pollenless blooms are the perfect size for cut flowers.
• Black Beauty – With deeply rich maroon petals, this is perhaps the darkest sunflower cultivar. Branching plants reach 4 to 6 feet (1-2 m.) tall.
• Chocolate Cherry – Multi-branching 4 to 5 foot (1-1.5 m.) stems topped with burgundy-brown petals and a chocolatey brown center gives this sunflower cultivar a stately presence in the garden. 
• Ruby Moon – This multi-branching burgundy sunflower variety grows 5 to 6 feet (1-2 m.) tall and produces an array of petal colors in various hues of ruby, maroon, and red. Petals can be solid or tipped in creamy white. 

Companion plants are popular for their insect repelling properties, but also as support for other wanted plants. Sunflowers are classic flowers whose statuesque height and cheery blooms decorate the landscape with charm. Sunflower companion plants run the gamut from vegetables to flowers, with the capacity for both structural support and pest resistance. 

Sunflower Companions

Many gardeners have heard of the Three Sisters planting system. It is an ancient practice that native people used for centuries. When the majestic sunflower is added to the trio, the Four Sisters have even more power in the garden. The classic sunflower companions in the Three Sisters are beans, corn, and squash. These pair beautifully with sunflowers, both visually and as a beneficial grouping. The companion planting sunflower is a hard working specimen that is a valuable support for scrambling vines and towering stalks. 

Growing Sunflowers

Most of our tall varieties of sunflower are annuals, but they reseed with wind and bird activity, and will reliably come up every year in the same site. Leave the flower heads on to dry. Once all the petals have fallen, the entire head may be harvested or left on to feed birds in winter. Sunflowers grow in almost any soil but do not like to be in overly wet situations. They are tolerant of drought, and the dried heads and stalks can be used in a fireplace or fire pit as an excellent fire starter. 

Types of Flowering Companion Plant for Sunflowers

Flowers bring beauty into our landscapes but may also have pest repellent properties. When certain blooms are planted around sunflowers they can keep away bad bugs and encourage pollinators and good predatory insects. These plants must share the same cultural conditions as the sunflowers. Full sun, well draining soil, and average water are a must. Ideally the flowering plants should be as stoic as the sunflowers, needing very little extra care outside of occasional watering. Some blooming plants that share these site requirements are:

• Coreopsis
• Calendula
• Lupine
• Carolina Rose
• Spurge
• Blazing Star

Many of our native prairie flowers can take part in companion planting with sunflowers. Wild flowers will further encourage pollinators and are often excellent habitat for wildlife, as well as providing food. As an added bonus, wildflowers are adapted to the region and are self sufficient. 

The Four Sisters

Sunflower and corn planting in concert create a wind breaking, supportive screen. In high wind areas, young corn stalks can blow down, but inter-planting sunflowers among the corn will reinforce and shield the vegetables. The flowers will also encourage pollinators necessary for the formation of sweet corn ears. Interestingly, the sunflowers will also give birds something distracting to eat so they will leave forming corn alone. 

Sunflowers take up a lot of nitrogen from the soil which needs to be replenished. When beans are added to the mix, they return nitrogen to the soil, bringing balance to the health of the earth. Squash vines can scramble over smaller varieties of sunflower, which keeps them off the ground and raises the blooms up to the sun. In the end, there will still be sunflower seeds to harvest, but better yields on the vegetables.

I don't know if this culinary masterpiece was born of ingenuity or boredom, but it's a bizarre one. The trend is to grill a sunflower head. Yep, that huge seed-filled ex-flower that remains after the larger, golden petals fall. It is supposed to taste and have the tooth feel of corn on the cob, but we tried it, and I can tell a different story. 

Can You Eat a Whole Sunflower?

Can you eat a whole sunflower? This food trend is a little out there but definitely worth trying. Cooking a whole sunflower sounds like a wacky idea, but think about it. We often snack on the nutritious seeds and the squirrels sure seem to like them. The trick to perfect grilled sunflower heads is timing of your harvest. Learn how to cook a sunflower head and get a surprising culinary experience. 

Many gardeners have shared recipes of eating sunflower buds. You cook these much as you would an artichoke and they are tasty. But cooking a whole sunflower head? Sure, why not. There are now a ton of sunflower head recipes on the internet. The original, shared by a baking company, has olive oil, salt, sundried tomatoes, and basil. But before you get cooking, you need to harvest the perfect head. Choose one that has just begun to form seed. The outer petals will still be attached but are starting to go. The seeds are white and quite soft. Don't try this trend on a head that has formed hard shells on the seeds. The result won't be optimal. 

How to Cook a Sunflower Head

With the perfect specimen, grilling sunflower heads is easy. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush off all the outer and inner petals, revealing the creamy seeds. Brush the whole thing in olive oil, dust with sea salt and place it face down on your grill. Cover the head and wait 5 minutes. Once you remove the head, add a bit more oil and season as you wish. Garlic would make a great addition, but anything you could do to corn, you can do here. Make it Tex-Mex, Asian, Italian, whatever you prefer. 

Tips From Sunflower Recipes

In videos, you can see people attacking the head by bringing it up to their mouths and simply biting out pieces of seeds. This is rustic but also problematic. Due to the slight curve and the size of sunflower heads, you will end up with oil and seasoning on your nose and cheeks. An easier way is to scrape the seeds out with a fork. You can eat them just like a bowl of hulled corn and avoid the messy face. If you want to try cooking the buds, peel off the thick skin and steam them like an artichoke. They will be tender and delicious.

We tend to think of sunflowers as big, tall, sun gazing beauties grown across fields, but did you know there are more than 50 varieties? Many sunflowers are actually perennials. Try new perennial varieties in your garden for pretty, striking, and cheerful sunflowers year after year.

Is There a Perennial Sunflower?

Flowers in the Helianthus genus number about 50 and include annuals, those large, sunny yellow blooms you mostly see in gardens. They also include Helianthus perennial sunflower varieties.

Perennial sunflower plants actually make up the majority of sunflower varieties native to North America. Most of the popular garden varieties that you see are annuals, but you can get a lot more range of size and even color when you look into perennial sunflowers.

One easy way to tell the difference between an annual and perennial sunflower is in the roots. Annuals have small, stringy roots while perennial sunflower plants grow tubers.

Perennial Sunflower Varieties

The flowers of perennials are not as large and striking as annuals, but they still have a lot to offer:

• Ashy sunflower (Helianthus mollis): Ashy sunflower grows tall and vigorously, producing bright yellow, 3 inch (8 cm.) flowers. It can be invasive but looks great as part of a wildflower meadow.
• Western sunflower (H. occidentals): This species, known as western sunflower, is shorter than many others and may be more suitable for a home garden. It is also less invasive and easier to contain. The flowers are 2 inches (5 cm.) across and daisy like.
• Silverleaf sunflower (H. argophyllus): Silverleaf sunflower is tall, 5 to 6 feet (1.5-2 m.) and is known for its silvery leaves. Soft and covered with silky fuzz, the leaves are popular in flower arrangements.
• Swamp sunflower (H. angustifolius): Swamp sunflower is a pretty and tall sunflower that tolerates poor soil and salt.
• Thin-leaved sunflower (Helianthus x multiflorus): There are several cultivars of this cross between the annual sunflower and a perennial known as thin-leaved sunflower. ‘Capenoch Star’ grows to 4 feet (1 m.) and has bright yellow flowers. ‘Loddon Gold’ grows up to 6 feet (2 m.) and has double blooms.
• Beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis): Also called cucumberleaf sunflower and East Coast dune sunflower. This spreading sunflower perennial works well in coastal gardens, as it’s salt tolerant and thrives in sandy conditions.

Perennial Sunflower Care

Perennial sunflowers are great additions to native gardens but be aware that they can spread pretty rapidly. You’ll need to control where they grow if you don’t want them taking over too much space.

Most types of sunflower prefer rich, fertile soil, although they can tolerate poorer soils too. The ground should drain well, but the flowers need regular watering or rain and do not tolerate drought well. Plant all varieties in full sun.

It can be difficult to find seeds for perennial sunflowers, but they are easy to grow from seed or from divisions. You should divide your perennials every two to three years and space them 2 to 3 feet (61-91 cm.) from each other, so they have room to grow and spread.

Maintenance for perennial sunflowers is pretty low. Stake some of the taller varieties to keep them upright and trim the plants back in the spring. Use fertilizer only if your soil is poor.

Beloved for their cheerful stature and edible seeds, sunflowers are among the most popular plants for the home garden. Though eager growers often choose to start their seeds as soon as all chances of frost have passed in spring, others may worry that the opportunity to grow their own magnificent blooms may have already passed them by. But, is it too late to plant sunflowers? How late can you plant sunflowers? In this guide, we’ll explore the “ins and outs” of sowing seeds, succession planting, and timing bloom for the longest display possible.

Best Times to Plant Your Sunflowers

Sunflowers can be started in a variety of ways. Though less common, seeds can be started indoors, in trays. This should be done no sooner than approximately 1-2 weeks before the last predicted frost date. After germination, gardeners can expect seedlings to sprout new leaves quickly, often outgrowing their trays and containers. It is for this reason that the second seed-starting method remains so popular: direct sowing. Seeds can be planted directly into weed-free, prepared beds once the soil has warmed and all chances of frost have passed.

The Latest You Can Plant Sunflowers Successfully

In order to best determine whether it is too late to plant sunflowers, growers should consider the required “days to maturity” as noted on their seed packet. Counting backwards from their average first frost date in fall, gardeners can gain some idea of whether or not there is sufficient time for plants to bloom. Type and cultivar planted will also play a role, as some may be better suited to late season growth than others. The best candidates are generally divided into one of two types: long-day and day-neutral.

Long-day types include more traditional, open-pollinated cultivars. As bloom is initiated by daylength, flowers of this kind will bloom at roughly the same time, regardless of when the seed was planted. Newer, day-neutral hybrids will bloom regardless of daylength, with most maturing in as little as 60 days. This characteristic allows gardeners greater flexibility in terms of planting, with many finding luck with succession sowing.

What are the Risks of Planting Sunflowers Later?

Though it is possible to plant sunflowers late in the season, it is not without risk. Seeds sown beyond midsummer may struggle to establish themselves, often succumbing to the overgrowth of weeds or insect troubles. Those set to bloom as conditions begin to cool in late summer may also suffer as overall growth begins to slow. Plants maturing at this time are likely to produce smaller-than-usual flowers and will often demonstrate poor seed set.

Best Sunflowers for Growing Later

• ‘Autumn Beauty’ Sunflowers - A tall, branching variety, ‘Autumn Beauty’ flowers in an attractive array of yellow, orange, and burgundy tones. Long stems make the flower ideal for use in cut arrangements, or mixed borders. Gardeners can expect plants to bloom approximately 75-85 days from planting.
• ‘ProCut Series’ Sunflowers - Bred specifically for cut flower production, day-neutral blooms open uniformly, 50-60 days from planting. Single-stem flowers within the series are available to growers in a wide range of colors, which include pale yellow, orange, red, and bi-color types.
• ‘Teddy Bear’ Sunflowers - ‘Teddy Bear’ sunflowers are celebrated for both their unique flower form and dwarf habit. Small plants grow quickly, maturing in as little as 65 days. Blooms open to reveal fully double, butter-yellow petals, and are ideal for use in pots and containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunflowers are a popular choice for the summer garden. These easy-to-grow flowers are especially loved by kids and beginner gardeners. With so many different varieties to choose, selecting what cultivar to grow may be the most difficult part. Regardless of the selection, many growers are eager to learn more about how to grow the best sunflowers possible. This includes becoming more familiar with sunflower fertilizer requirements.

Should I Fertilize Sunflowers?

Like any plant in the home landscape, deciding how and when to begin feeding sunflower plants will be largely dependent on conditions in the garden. Whether growing sunflowers commercially or in a small row in the backyard, these plants will require ample nutrients. In fact, sunflowers are known to be extremely heavy feeders throughout the growing season.

While it is possible to grow them without feeding sunflower plants, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and a wide range of micronutrients will all need to be present in the soil in order to obtain the best results.

Fertilizing A Sunflower Plant

Many garden soils are healthy enough to support the growth of sunflowers, but having the soil tested can help growers ensure that the sunflowers are grown in nutrient rich medium. When it comes to the fertilization of sunflowers, nitrogen is extremely important.

Fertilization of sunflowers with added nitrogen will contribute to the overall green growth of the plant. Fertilizing a sunflower with nitrogen will increase the height of the plant too. This may be especially important for home gardeners who choose to grow giant varieties of novelty sunflower. Excessive amounts of nitrogen, however, may be detrimental to the plant in that it can limit blooming.

Sunflower fertilizer requirements can be met in a variety of ways. Growers should choose fertilizers which are best suited for their garden. Slow release granular fertilizers are often a popular option, as they can easily be worked into the soil and deliver nutrients to the root zone of the plants.

Garden fertilizers can be applied throughout the growing season according to the manufacturer’s label instructions. With careful research and minimal investment, growers will be rewarded with beautiful sunflowers throughout the summer and into fall.

Sunflowers make you think of a cheerful yellow sun, right? The classic flower of summer is bright, golden, and sunny. Are there other colors as well? Are there white sunflowers? The answer may surprise you and inspire you to try new varieties of this summer stunner in your flower garden.

White Sunflower Varieties

If you haven’t spent much time exploring the different varieties of sunflower available on the market, you may not realize how much variety there actually is. Not all sunflowers are the typical tall stalks with giant yellow heads. There are shorter plants, flowers that are only a few inches (8 cm.) across, and even those striped with yellow, brown, and burgundy.

You’ll also find a few whitish varieties that have been around for a while. ‘Moonshadow’ is creamy white with 4 inch (10 cm.) blooms on shorter stalks. ‘Italian White’ grows blooms of a similar size and look a little bit like daisies but with smaller centers.

What has been elusive for many years are the truly large sunflower varieties with pure white petals and big, seed producing centers. Now, however, after years of development, there are two varieties created by Tom Heaton in Woodland, California:

• ‘ProCut White Nite’ grows up to 6 feet (2 m.) tall and produces pure white petals with large, dark centers.
• ‘ProCut White Lite’ is very similar and the same size as White Nite but produces pretty white petals around a yellow green center.

Unlike the other white sunflowers, these new cultivars look like a typical large sunflower, just with white petals. Developing them took decades and Heaton faced challenges such as petal quality, attracting bees, and seed production.

How to Grow White Sunflowers

Growing white sunflowers is no different from growing standard varieties. They require full sun, fertile soil that drains well, adequate space between plants, and regular watering.

Start the seeds outdoors in spring, after the last hard frost. The new white varieties can be grown just to enjoy as they are, for the seeds and for cut flowers.

Pure white sunflowers are truly stunning. The creators see them being used in wedding and spring bouquets. Where sunflowers traditionally have been used for late summer and fall displays, these white varieties give them more versatility. Additionally, the white petals will take to dying, opening up a whole new world of possible colors. 

Growing sunflowers is great. These stately, tall flowers produce stunning, large, regal blooms. Can you eat a sunflower though? You know you can eat sunflower seeds, but if you grow these fun plants you may have wondered if you can eat the actual flowers too. We’ve got the answer for you.

Are Sunflowers Edible?

Most people grow sunflowers simply for their statuesque nature and cheerful, large flowers. You may also grow them to eat the seeds. Sunflower seeds are tasty and nutritious. Of course, they are also grown on a large scale to make oil, but you can even make a delicious seed butter out of sunflower seeds.

Did you know that you can actually eat much more of the plant than just the seeds? This includes the flowers. You can enjoy both the buds of sunflower plants and the petals of mature blooms. The greens are also edible. Sunflower sprouts are delicate, while the older leaves can be a little tough and fibrous.

How to Use Edible Sunflowers

Eating sunflower buds will mean you don’t get as many big blooms, but they are pretty tasty. Consider growing some extra so you can try them in the kitchen. The buds are best cooked; try lightly steaming or blanching. Toss in butter with a little garlic and salt for a simple vegetable side dish that tastes like artichoke. Just be sure to remove the greens from around the base of the bud before cooking.

The petals of sunflowers are also edible. Pluck them individually to toss into salads. The flavor is unique, described as bittersweet or a little nutty. They make a nice contrast to other flavors in salads. When eating sunflower petals, leave them raw so you don’t lose the flavor and texture.

Sunflower sprouts taste fresh and green, perfect for salads or a topping on stir fries and soups. Use the older leaves as you would other greens: boiled, steamed, and sautéed. Remove the center rib before cooking, as it can be pretty tough.

Growing sunflowers in your landscape provides big yellow blooms that simply shout summer. Birds flock to the mature plants to enjoy the seeds, so you can use it as part of a plot planted to attract birds, bees, and other pollinators. Do sunflowers transplant well though and should you move them at all? Read on to learn more.

Do Sunflowers Transplant Well?

Put sunflowers in their permanent location when planting. Due to their taproot, moving plants is not advisable. It is nearly impossible to move growing plants with taproots once active growth has started.

Can you transplant sunflowers from a starting pot? If you want to get started early growing this plant, you may grow from seed in a container. Transplanting sunflower seedlings shortly after sprouting is the best practice.

Tips for Moving Sunflower Plants

Since the seeds are large, grow quickly, and have a long taproot, moving sunflower plants from the sprouting container into the ground can be tricky. Do this less than three weeks after planting or as soon as you see leaves developing. If you leave plants in the starting container too long, growth of the long taproot may be stunted.

The best way to grow sunflowers is by planting seeds directly into the ground when soil has warmed and frost danger is passed. If for some reason you must start sunflowers in containers, use pots that are biodegradable and remove them as you’re putting the plant into a hole. Make sure dirt is loosened several inches (8 cm.) underneath to provide room for the taproot to grow.

If you buy a growing sunflower in a pot, look closely to make sure top growth appears healthy and, if you can, take a look at the roots. Don’t purchase this plant if it appears rootbound.

If you want to grow sunflowers in a container, choose a pot that is deep and possibly a dwarf variety of the plant. Sources say a one to two gallon pot is big enough for a dwarf plant and that the mammoth types need at least a five gallon container. Sunflowers growing in a container will likely need staking too.

So, do sunflowers transplant well? Answer: in most cases, not so well. Only attempt to transplant those you’ve started from seed and do that as quickly as the plant allows.

If you have ever fed wild birds, you know they love sunflower seeds. Squirrels, too, compete with birds at feeders and generally make a nuisance of themselves. Wild animals don't draw a line when it comes to food, and your ripening sunflower heads are also a target. Preventing bird and squirrel sunflower damage may seem like a round the clock defense strategy, but take heart. We have some simple tricks on how to deter birds and squirrels and save your sunflower seeds.

How to Deter Birds and Squirrels from Sunflowers

Admittedly, it's kind of cute when squirrels shimmy their way up towering sunflowers to feast on the seeds, but what if you want to save that seed? Protecting sunflowers from birds and squirrels will help you keep the harvest all to yourself. You can get creative to deter birds eating sunflowers and squirrels taking your hard won harvest.

Using netting over the flower or entire plant can prevent many seed thieves. Plant decoy plants, keep bird feeders filled, and place feeding sites for squirrels. If they aren't hungry, they are not as likely to go after your plants.

There are sprays and repellents available that, combined with covering the flower, should work in combo. Rather than play around with such measures, you can also just harvest the flowers. Pick them when the back of the flower turns from green to deeply yellow. Set the seed heads in a dry, warm location to cure.

Birds Eating Sunflower Plants

It's only natural to see birds eating sunflower. However, their feast is your loss, so protective measures must ensue. You can try a scarecrow, the classic way to scare away birds or use any fluttering, moving item that will startle them away. One easy method is to hang CDs to sway and glitter in the sunlight.

Draping the plant in holiday tinsel is another quick way to frighten birds away from your seeds. You can also cover the heads so birds can't get to them so easily. Simple brown paper bags slipped over the flowers will let the seeds continue to ripen while deterring the birds.

Squirrels Eating Sunflower

Start protecting sunflowers by planting thorny or sharp plants around the base. You can use cardboard or metal to fashion a baffle just under the flower. These will prevent the animal from reaching its prize. Alternatively, you can wrap sheet metal or even aluminum foil around the stalk, but you will have to go quite high up, as squirrels are excellent jumpers.

Many gardeners find success in simply covering the flower itself with a mesh container, like a berry crate. Squirrels reportedly dislike mothballs. Hang a few from sturdy leaf petioles and repel the little critters. Sharply scented herbs and spicy sprays are also excellent repellents.

If you love sunflowers but lack the gardening space to grow the mammoth blooms, you might be wondering if you can grow sunflowers in containers. Potted sunflowers may seem an unlikely endeavor, however, some of the smaller dwarf varieties do very well as container grown sunflowers, and even the giant cultivars can be grown as container plants. Growing sunflowers in a pot or planter does require some special care though. This article aims to help with that.

Can You Grow Sunflowers in Containers?

As mentioned, dwarf varieties, those under 4 feet (1 m.) in height, lend themselves very well as container grown sunflowers. If you want to grow the really impressive 10 footers (3 m.), which is still doable, a larger container will be required.

About Potted Sunflowers

The size of the sunflower will dictate the size of the pot. Smaller varieties will do well grown as sunflowers in planters. Cultivars that grow to 2 feet (61 cm.) or less should be planted in a 10 to 12 inch (25-31 cm.) diameter planter while those that grow 4 feet (1 m.) or taller require a larger 3 to 5 gallon (11-19 L.) or even larger pot.

How to Grow Sunflowers in a Pot

Regardless of the variety, all sunflowers grown in containers should have drainage holes and be situated in an area that receives full sun.

Sunflowers need well-draining soil that retains moisture. A good quality general purpose potting soil will work well. For larger pots, mix the potting medium with some vermiculite to lighten the weight of the pots.

Add a layer of drainage material such as gravel, terracotta pot pieces, or polystyrene foam to the bottom of the pot and then add the potting medium, filling the container to about halfway. Plant the sunflower and fill in around the roots with additional soil, then water well.

Be sure to keep an eye on the watering needs of sunflowers grown in containers. They will dry out more rapidly than those grown in the garden. A general rule of thumb is to provide an inch (2.5 cm.) of water per week depending upon weather conditions. Water the plants when the top inch (2.5 cm.) of soil feels dry to the touch.

Fertilize the flowers with a high-nitrogen liquid plant fertilizer and then when a bloom begins to form, switch to a liquid fertilizer high in phosphorous.

Lovers of sunflowers have no doubt come across pollenless sunflower varieties, sunflowers grown specifically for cutting. They are all the rage with florists and caterers, and with good reason. Sunflowers without pollen obviously don’t shed the brilliant yellow pollen, a major blessing if you’ve ever tried to get the sticky golden hue out of a starched white tablecloth or a bride’s gown. Interested in growing pollenless sunflowers? Read on for additional pollenless sunflower info.

What are Pollenless Sunflowers?

The name is self-explanatory; pollenless sunflowers are sunflowers that are sterile males and do not produce pollen. In the wild, sunflowers without pollen would be a tragedy, but for the sake of brides everywhere, pollenless sunflowers for cutting are a boon that almost didn’t come into being.

Pollenless Sunflower Info

Pollenless sunflowers were introduced to the market in 1988 but they were actually an accidental discovery. They originated as a mutation or genetic error that was soon seen as a major marketing coupe. Growers are constantly monkeying around with the genetic traits of different flowers and combining them to create hybrids but, in this case, nature in all its glorious imperfection is to blame.

If you are growing sunflowers specifically for cutting flowers, then pollenless varieties might be for you, but if you like to grow them to feed the wildlife (or harvest seeds for yourself), keep in mind that they won’t produce seed.

Also, pollenless sunflowers don’t have as much to offer our bee friends. Bees gather both nectar and pollen from flowers. They rely on pollen as a source of protein. While they may visit pollenless flowers and harvest nectar, they will then need to make extra trips to other blooms to harvest the pollen they need in their diet.

Pollenless Sunflower Varieties

There is quite a variety amongst pollenless sunflowers. The one thing none of them have is pollen that can stain clothing, but other than that, they run the gamut with regards to colors, sizes, and form just as with any sunflower. Heights range from 2 to 8 feet (.61 to 2 m.), and blooms may be single or double in hues ranging from traditional yellow to rose-gold, creamy white, red, burgundy, orange, and even lime green.

Here are some popular pollenless sunflower hybrids to include in your cutting garden:

• Buttercream
• Bashful
• Claret
• Del Sol
• Double Dandy
• Double Quick Orange
• Firecracker
• Joker
• Moonshadow
• Munchkin
• Orange Sun
• Parasol
• Peach Passion
• Pro-Cut
• Ruby Moon
• Shamrock Shake
• Starburst Lemon Aurora
• Sunbeam
• Sunbright
• Sunrich
• Zebulon

Whether growing sunflowers as a means to attract pollinators or simply to add some vibrant color to the summer vegetable garden, there is no denying that these plants are a long-time favorite of many gardeners. Coming in a wide range of sizes and in subtle shades of yellow and reds, it is sometimes difficult to choose which varieties to plant. Luckily for growers, there are open-pollinated and hybrid cultivars of sunflowers that will fit perfectly into most landscapes.

Types of Sunflower Plants

Different varieties of sunflowers can vary greatly in size and color. In general, however, they can easily be divided into several different kinds of sunflowers. Here are just a few types of sunflower plants:

Giant Sunflowers

As the name would imply, these sunflower varieties are capable of reaching amazing heights, some as tall as 16 feet (5 m.)! Giant varieties of sunflower are sure to make a statement when grown in the home garden, as they often grow taller than nearby fences (and sometimes houses). Though beautiful, these large plants will sometimes require staking in regions prone to high winds and strong summer storms.

Some popular giant sunflower cultivars include:

• ‘American Giant’
• ‘Skyscraper’
• ‘Russian Mammoth’

Medium Sunflowers

Medium sunflowers are those which grow tall; however, their height is nowhere near comparable to that of the giant sunflower cultivars. Medium-sized sunflower varieties can generally be divided into single stem and branching types. While single stems will produce only one flower per plant, branching varieties offer growers more flowers and longer bloom times. Branching varieties offer more color and visual impact for growers who garden in small spaces.

Medium varieties of sunflower to try are:

• ‘Italian White’
• ‘Moulin Rouge’
• ‘Lemon Queen’

Dwarf Sunflowers

Dwarf sunflower varieties are a great choice for gardeners with little space. Often reaching only a few feet (0.5 to 1 m.) in height, many dwarf sunflower cultivars can also be planted in containers or in flower borders. The compact size of dwarf sunflowers allows for a bright pop of color without interfering with vertical growing space. 

Here are some dwarf sunflower varieties:

• ‘Little Becka’
• ‘Sunny Smile’
• ‘Teddy Bear’

Pollenless Sunflowers

Pollenless sunflowers are a unique option. These pollen-free varieties of sunflower are most commonly grown by those wishing to use their sunflowers in cut flower arrangements. This makes them an exceptionally good choice for growers who want to sell bouquets at farmers’ markets. These sunflower cultivars are extremely uniform and quick to bloom.

Pollenless Varieties to grow may include:

• ‘Pro Cut Gold’
• ‘Jade’
• ‘Strawberry Blonde’

There is no denying that sunflowers are a summertime favorite. Excellent for beginner growers, sunflowers are loved by children and adults alike. Homegrown sunflowers are a veritable haven for pollinators in search of rich nectar. While some gardeners may cut the blooms for use in a vase, others who let the plants mature are rewarded with an abundance of seeds.

Regardless of the rationale behind growing these beautiful plants, there is no doubt that planting sunflowers is an asset to many gardeners. However, there is one thing that many do not know – sunflower weed control can be used in the garden. How can sunflowers stop weeds from sprouting though? Let’s find out.

Do Sunflowers Limit Weeds?

While sunflowers are commonplace in the garden, one interesting and frequently overlooked aspect of these plants is that they are allelopathic. Weeds and sunflowers, as with any other plant in the garden, are always in competition. In order to gain the growing advantage, sunflowers contain chemical compounds that inhibit the germination and growth of other seedlings in the growing area.

These toxins are present in all parts of the sunflower, including the roots, leaves, and seed hulls. The chemicals create a small area in which weeds and other plants have difficulty growing. While this may seem detrimental in the garden, allelopathy (the inhibition of germination) actually has many beneficial aspects. Allelopathic sunflowers can actually help suppress weed growth.

Sunflower Weed Control

With strategic planning, growers are able to use this attribute to reduce weeds within the garden. While the growth of many plants has been proven to be diminished by the presence of sunflowers nearby, other plants show a distinctive resistance.

Ornamental flowering plants such as roses and lemon balm are just a few examples of plants able to withstand and thrive when planted near sunflowers, making them excellent companion plants.

Though there are some exceptions, many garden plants may struggle to grow in the vicinity of sunflowers. While delayed germination may lead to reduced yields, other crops may be more drastically impacted. Potatoes, for example, may have particular difficulty when grown near sunflowers.

When left in the garden, residue and debris from sunflowers can allow the chemical compounds to stay within the garden soil for a longer period of time. To avoid this, remove old sunflower stalks, flowers, and seeds from the growing area at the end of each season. Frequent crop rotation will also help to avoid the buildup of these allelopathic compounds.

If you love sunflowers but you lack the space for gigantic plants with plate-size blooms, teddy bear sunflower may be the perfect answer. Sunflower ‘Teddy Bear’ is a short, bushy plant with fluffy, golden-yellow blooms that appear from mid-summer to the first frost in autumn. Mature size of Teddy Bear sunflower plants is 4 to 5 feet (1.4 m.). Have we piqued your interest in growing Teddy Bear flowers? Then read on for more Teddy Bear sunflower info.

How to Grow a Teddy Bear Sunflower

Growing Teddy Bear flowers by seed isn’t complicated. The most important thing is to plant seeds where your Teddy Bear sunflower plants will be exposed to full sunlight. Well-drained soil is also an absolute requirement for any type of sunflower. Plant Teddy Bear sunflower seeds after you’re sure all danger of frost has passed. Prepare the soil prior to planting sunflowers by digging a generous amount of compost, well-rotted manure or other organic matter into the top 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm.) of soil. Sow seeds in groups of three to four, at a depth of ½ inch (1.25 cm.). Thin the plants to a distance of 18 to 24 inches (40-60 cm.) when the true leaves appear. Water as needed to keep the soil moist, but not drenched, until your sunflower ‘Teddy Bear’ plants are established. Sunflowers generally need no fertilizer. However, if your soil is poor, work a little time-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time.

Teddy Bear Sunflower Care

Once established, sunflowers are relatively drought tolerant; however, they perform best if the soil isn’t parched. As a general rule, water deeply when the soil is dry to a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm.). Avoid overwatering and soggy, poorly drained soil. If possible, water at the base of the plant, as overhead watering may promote certain plant diseases, including rust. Pull or hoe weeds as soon as they appear. Weeds will draw moisture and nutrients away from your sunflower ‘Teddy Bear’ plant. A layer of mulch will prevent moisture evaporation and limit growth of weeds. However, be careful that the mulch doesn’t mound up against the stem, as moist mulch can promote rot. Watch for cutworms on your Teddy Bear sunflower plants. If the infestation appears light, remove the pests by hand and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Use a pyrethrin-based insecticide for a severe infestation. Pyrethrin-based insecticides are also effective if weevils are a problem.

If you grow sunflowers in the Great Plains region of the United States and Canada, you should know about a sunflower pest called the sunflower midge (Contarinia schultzi). This tiny fly is especially a problem in sunflower fields in North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and Manitoba. Infestations may cause a reduction in the yield of seeds from each sunflower head or poor development of the heads overall.

What are Sunflower Midges?

The adult sunflower midge is just 1/10 inch (2.5 mm.) long, with a tan body and transparent wings. Eggs are yellow to orange and are found in clusters laid in flower buds or sometimes on mature sunflower heads. The larvae are similar in length to the adult, legless, and yellowish orange or cream colored. The sunflower midge lifecycle begins when the adults lay eggs on the bracts (modified leaves) enclosing the flower buds. After the eggs hatch, the larvae begin eating their way from the edge of the developing sunflower to the center. Then, the larvae drop to the soil and form cocoons a few inches (8 cm.) underground. Cocoons overwinter in the soil, and the adults emerge throughout the month of July. The adults locate sunflower buds, lay their eggs, and then die a few days after emerging. A second generation sometimes occurs in late summer, potentially causing a second round of damage on mature sunflower heads. The adults from this generation lay eggs from mid-August to mid-September (in the U.S.).

Sunflower Midge Damage

To identify sunflower midge damage, look for brown scar tissue on the bracts, the small green leaves just below the sunflower head. Seeds may also be missing, and some of the yellow petals on the edge of the head may be missing. If the infestation is severe, the head may appear twisted and distorted, or the bud may never develop fully. The damage usually appears on the edges of the field. Adults are difficult to find, but you may be able to see larvae if you cut open a damaged sunflower at the correct time.

How to Treat for Sunflower Midge

No effective insecticides are available for this pest. Crop rotation can help, especially if you can move next year’s sunflower planting a significant distance away from the infested area. Sunflower varieties with greater sunflower midge tolerance are becoming available. Though these varieties are not fully resistant, they will sustain less damage if they do become infested with the sunflower midge. Contact your local extension service for more information on these varieties. Another strategy is to stagger your sunflower plantings so that if one planting is attacked by these sunflower pests, the others may avoid damage. Delaying planting to later in spring may also help.

You planted carefully, watered well. Shoots came up and leaves. But you never got any flowers. Now you are asking: Why is my sunflower not blooming? You’ll be surprised by the variety of reasons you may have no blooms on sunflower plants. Read on for the inside scoop on sunflower blooming problems.

Why is My Sunflower Not Blooming?

Sunflowers are the cheeriest of blossoms. Their happy yellow faces turn to follow the sun’s progress across the sky. Many contain edible seeds beloved by humans and birds alike. So it’s distinctly disappointing when you have sunflower plants with no flowers, but understanding your sunflower blooming problems is the first step to solving them.

Look at growing conditions

Why, you may ask, are my sunflower plants not blooming? When you find your sunflower plants with no flowers, first take a close look at where, when and how you planted them. Improper growing conditions and culture definitely can result in no blooms on sunflowers. Let there be light! Yes, sunlight is on the top of a sunflower’s “must-have” list. Sunflower plants with no flowers can result if you site the plants in the shade. These fast-growing annuals need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Too little sunlight can retard flower formation, which means no blooms on sunflower plants. In terms of cultural care, sunflowers are not terribly demanding. They do need well-draining soil, however, and moist, fertile soil also helps. Nutrient-poor, sandy soil isn’t likely to produce generous blossoms.

Examine for insects

When you see sunflower plants not blooming, you might also think of insect pests like the sunflower midge. The sunflower midge was first noticed on wild sunflowers throughout the northern Great Plains and south to Texas. But the pest has spread to areas where sunflowers are cultivated. The adult sunflower midge is a delicate fly. It overwinters in soil as a larva to emerge in late July and lay its eggs on clusters of developing sunflower buds. You’ll find them either underneath the bud bracts or in the bud center. Two days after the eggs are laid, larvae hatch out. They develop inside the sunflower buds, feeding on them. The buds appear to swell from all the larvae activity. However, the flower head may be damaged to such an extent that you find no blooms on sunflower plants infected. Your best bets for limiting sunflower blooming problems from these midge is to spread out the budding dates of your plants over a wide range. The damage varies depending on budding dates. Also, select cultivars that tolerate midge damage.

Sunflowers make me happy; they just do. They are easy to grow and pop up cheerfully and unbidden beneath the bird feeders or anywhere they’ve been grown before. They do, however, have a tendency to droop. The question is: why do my sunflowers droop over and what can I do about drooping sunflowers?

Why Do My Sunflowers Droop Over?

Drooping in sunflower plants can occur in both young and older plants. What to do about drooping sunflowers depends on what stage of growth they’re in and the cause of the drooping.

Sunflower droop in young plants

Diseases and pests can cause sunflowers to droop, as can transplant shock. Sunflowers do best when they are seeded directly outside. Living in a cooler climate, I have started them indoors before and then transplanted them outside. Transplanting them disturbs the roots, which puts the plant into shock mode. If you must start the seeds inside for later transplant, start them in peat pots. When you go to transplant them, tear off the top ½ inch (1.25 cm.) of the peat pot so it doesn’t wick away moisture. Also, harden off the seedlings before planting so they can acclimate to the outdoor temperatures. Fungal diseases can cause a number of issues with sunflowers, including damping off. One of the first signs of damping off is wilting or drooping. This is followed by yellowing foliage, stunting and failure to thrive. Proper sowing and watering can decrease the risk of damping off. Sow seeds in warm soil, 2 inches (5 cm.) deep and only water when the top ½ inch (1.25 cm.) of soil is completely dried out. Insects, like caterpillars and spider mites, can damage young sunflower seedlings, causing them to droop, yellow and even die. Keep the area around the seedlings free from debris and weeds that harbor pests. Treat a drooping plant with a mild insecticidal soap if you suspect a pest infestation.

Drooping in mature sunflowers

Some sunflowers can attain great heights with large sunny yellow heads. So an obvious reason for drooping heads is simply top-heavy sunflowers. If this is the case, there’s no fixing drooping sunflowers. Top-heavy sunflowers are a natural occurrence just as overladen fruit boughs bend under the weight of a plentiful harvest. If all else is well with the plant and it is healthy, the stalk should be able to withstand the weight without splitting. If you are truly worried about damage to the stalk, however, tie the head up to a fence, tree, eave, or whatever the sunflower is near to help the plant bear the weight. Another possibility for drooping sunflowers is that the plants need water. An indicator of this is leaves that are wilted as well. Sunflowers, in general, can withstand some drought. But they do best with deep, regular watering to encourage root growth. This is especially beneficial with the taller varieties that need strong roots to hold up the tall stalks and heavy heads.

How to Keep Sunflowers from Drooping

Excellent cultural conditions are the key to keeping sunflowers from drooping. If the plants are in a shaded area or have too much or too little water, you may find them droopy looking. Sow sunflowers in full sun in moderately fertile, well-draining soil. Water them with one inch (2.5 cm.) of water per week depending upon rainfall. Check the soil prior to watering. Allow the top ½ inch (1.25 cm.) of soil to dry between watering, which will help prevent fungal infections. Keep the area around the plants weed and detritus free. Sunflowers don’t usually need fertilizer, but a little boost won’t hurt them. Too much nitrogen, however, will result in healthy green foliage and few blooms. Use a low nitrogen food such as a 5-10-10. Sprinkle the lowest application recommendation on the manufacturer’s label, generally ½ cup (120 mL) per 25 square feet (7.5 square m.). Follow all of the above tips and you won’t be wondering about fixing drooping sunflowers. Unless, of course, the drooping is from top-heavy heads and then really that’s a great thing – more sunflower seeds for you to eat!

Swamp sunflower plant is a close cousin to the familiar garden sunflower, and both are big, bright plants that share an affinity for sunlight. However, as its name suggests, swamp sunflower prefers moist soil and even thrives in clay-based or poorly drained soil. This makes swamp sunflowers in the garden an ideal choice for wet areas, including boggy sites that remain waterlogged for extended periods.

Swamp Sunflower Info

Swamp sunflower plant (Helianthus angustifolius) is a branching plant that produces deep green leaves and masses of bright yellow, daisy-like petals surrounding dark centers. The flowers, which measure 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.) across, appear in late summer and early fall when most plants are finished for the season. Swamp sunflower grows wild across much of the eastern United States and is often found in coastal marshlands and disturbed areas such as along roadside ditches. Swamp sunflower is hard to miss, as it reaches heights of 5 to 7 feet (1.5-2 m.) or more. This plant is ideal for a native planting or wildflower meadow, and will attract a variety of butterflies, bees, and birds. Swamp sunflower plant is suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9.

Growing Swamp Sunflowers

Swamp sunflower plants are available at most garden centers and nurseries. You can also plant seeds directly in the garden or propagate swamp sunflower by dividing a mature plant. Although swamp sunflower tolerates boggy soil, it spreads rapidly when grown in moist, well-drained soil. The plant tolerates light shade but prefers full sunlight. Too much shade may result in a weak, leggy plant with few blooms. Provide plenty of space; each plant can spread to a width of 4 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.). Once established, swamp sunflowers in the garden require little maintenance, so your swamp sunflower care will be minimal. The adaptable plant tolerates dry soil for short periods but will do best if you provide water whenever the soil feels dry. A 2 to 3 inch (5-8 cm.) layer of mulch will help keep the soil cool and moist, but don’t let the mulch pile up against the stems. Trim the plant by one-third in early summer to produce a bushy, prolific plant. Remove faded blooms before they go to seed if you don’t want volunteers, as the plant can be invasive in some areas.

Sunflowers provide some of the cheeriest blooms. They come in a wide range of heights and bloom sizes as well as colors. The giant flower head is actually two separate parts. The inside is the cluster of flowers, while the larger colored "petals" on the outside are actually protective leaves. The flowers in the center turn into seed when the plant is almost done for the season. Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite for feeding wild birds and for making sunflower oil.

Types of Sunflower Seeds

There are two kinds of sunflowers grown commercially: oilseed sunflowers and confection sunflowers. Oilseed flowers are grown for oil production and birdseed. Sunflower oil is low in saturated fats and doesn't have a strong taste. It is growing in popularity due to its heart-healthy reputation. Confection sunflowers produce seeds that are large gray and black striped seeds that are sold for snacks. They are sold either in the shell, roasted or salted, or shelled for salads and baking. Numerous varieties are used for confection seeds but primarily the Black Peredovic sunflower is grown for oilseed.

Black Peredovik Sunflowers

Usually, sunflower seed is a mixture of colors, and some are striped. The black sunflower seeds hold the most oil and the Russian cultivar, the Black Peredovik sunflower, are oilseed sunflowers used the most. It was bred as a sunflower oil production crop. The Black Peredovik sunflower seeds are medium-sized and deep black. This black oil sunflower seed has more meat than a regular sunflower seed and the outer husk is softer so even smaller birds can crack into the seed. It is rated the number one food for wild birds by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The high oil content in Black Peredovik sunflower seeds is important to birds in winter as they will spread the oil on their feathers, increasing buoyancy and keeping them dry and warm.

Other Black Oil Sunflower Seeds

When the sunflower head matures, the flowers become seeds. These sunflower seeds can be a variety of shades but having all-black ones is rare. The Red Sun sunflower cultivar has predominantly black seeds as does Valentine sunflower. There are always a few brown or striped sunflower seeds and these cultivars are not grown for oil as is the Black Peredovic sunflower. Even the common or native sunflowers can produce black seeds mixed in with other colors. These will go first if you leave the sunflower heads out for food. Squirrels, rodents, and birds will eat the black sunflower seeds before anything else due to the higher calorie and fat content.

For many gardeners, learning how to plant sunflower seeds serves as a rite of passage. Cheerful yellow blooms that are easy to grow from seed make the ideal plant for gardeners of all ages and skill levels. Sunflowers’ adaptability and resistance to disease further lend to their charm and popularity.

Still, knowing how and when to plant sunflowers seeds is key to growing this classic garden flower. In this guide, we’ll explore how to grow sunflowers from seed in greater detail and cover the growing journey from planting to transplanting in the garden.

Where to Plant Sunflowers

Those interested in growing sunflowers from seed should consider the mature plant’s needs carefully. Sunflowers perform best where they receive full sun throughout the majority of the day, at least 6 to 8 hours. Optimal conditions include good drainage and soil that is nutrient rich and well-amended.

Where conditions are less than ideal or space is tight, home gardeners can grow sunflowers in containers. For the best results, use a high-quality potting medium and plant sunflower seeds that are a container-friendly cultivar.

When to Plant Sunflower Seeds

Like knowing when to start seeds for your vegetable garden, knowing when to plant sunflower seeds is important to the success of your flowers. Most seed packages suggest sowing directly into the ground after all danger of frost is past. That's fine if you live in an area where your growing season is long enough. However, if you live somewhere where the growing season is short, you may not have enough time to direct sow seeds in the garden.

Sunflowers can take anywhere from 70 to 120 days to mature with the larger varieties taking the longest. Most gardeners like to get a jump on the season by starting seeds indoors about three weeks before the last frost date so they can enjoy blooms earlier.

Though there are both annual and perennial sunflowers, most varieties are tender annuals, which means they are unable to withstand cold and freezing temperatures can kill them.

For annual varieties, you must wait until all chance of frost has passed in the spring before you plant sunflower seeds outdoors. Soil temperatures above 50 F (10 C) are necessary for germination. To extend bloom time, continue sowing sunflowers throughout summer, a tactic known as succession planting.

How to Plant Sunflower Seeds

You can plant sunflower seeds a few different ways. Most commonly, gardeners sow sunflower seeds into the garden after the weather warms up in spring. However, another option is to grow sunflower seeds indoors first and then transplant them outside once outdoor temperatures rise.

Sow seeds into trays no more than two to three weeks before the last average frost date. For those planting larger cultivars like the ‘Giganteus’ sunflower, it’s best to start seeds indoors early to give them plenty of time to grow.

Starting Sunflower Seeds Indoors

When starting sunflower seeds indoors to transplant later, first fill your container or tray of choice with a quality seed starting mix, then plant your seeds, and cover them with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil. Water well and keep soil moist. In a week or two, your seedlings will push through and start to grow rapidly.

Direct Sowing Sunflowers

If you’re direct sowing sunflowers outside, first you need to choose a sheltered place out of the wind or a spot along a fence where you can tie the stalks as plants grow tall. Sunflower roots grow deep and wide, so turn the soil well before planting. Add plenty of compost because large flowers need good nutrition.

How deep to plant seeds isn't as important as how far apart you plant them. After all, seeds dropped from previous year's flowers often sprout where they fall. If you look at the back of your seed packet, most recommend planting sunflower seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Though this can vary depending on the variety.

You can also overplant, or start by planting seeds closer together, and then thin out the weaker seedlings later. Overplanting can also help combat greedy wildlife that might eat your sunflower seedlings.

How to Transplant Sunflower Seedlings

Before transplanting sunflowers outdoors, seedlings require a brief hardening-off period. To harden off sunflower seedlings slowly expose plants to outdoor conditions over the course of several days or weeks. This helps prevent stress and loss of plants as seedlings become acclimated to their new home.

When transplanting sunflower seedlings, handle with care and make sure not to disturb their roots. How you space plants depends on the size of your sunflowers at maturity.

For the giants, you'll need 2.5 to 3 feet (0.75-1 m) between each plant for optimum growth. For regular sized sunflowers, you will need 1.5 to 2 feet (0.25-0.5 m). For shorter varieties, you only need about 6 to 12 inches (15-31 cm). Once situated into beds, water new plants deeply and keep beds free of weeds.

Sunflowers are a favorite treat for wildlife. Birds and squirrels love to eat sunflowers and can easily destroy your crop. They can dig up seedlings as fast as you can plant them. If you find yourself at war with these backyard thieves, cover sunflower seedlings with a piece of fencing or a wire cloche.

Frequently Asked Questions

Native Americans have known how to harvest sunflower seeds since long before the first Europeans arrived. They boiled the heads to extract the oil and ate the seeds either raw or baked in breads, and infusions were used medicinally. The seeds are a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.

One of the pleasures of watching those huge yellow sunflowers following the summer sun is anticipating the harvest of sunflower seeds in the fall. If you've planted a sunflower variety with large, full heads, you’re in for a treat.

But beware–you won’t be the only one harvesting sunflower seeds. Sunflower harvesting is a favorite pastime of birds, squirrels, field mice, and deer. To beat the local wildlife, it's important to know how and when to harvest sunflowers.

When to Harvest Sunflower Seeds

Harvesting sunflowers is easy, but deciding when to do it can be important. Sunflower heads picked before the proper time may have plenty of seed coats with little meat. If you wait too long to harvest sunflowers, the tender seeds will be too dry to roast. If you wait until the animals start harvesting for you, there’ll be nothing left for you!

Here are four signs to watch for:

1. Florets Fade

It’s easier to decide when to harvest sunflower seeds if you understand the flower’s structure. Sunflowers are a composite bloom. This means that there are multiple florets within each head. Ray florets are those attached to a petal, and these seldom produce seed. The center of the flower contains the disc florets, which will produce seeds after pollination.

Florets with a dried or shriveled appearance are among the first signs that seed development has started. At this time you might want to cover the flower heads with a lightweight cheesecloth or muslin to deter foraging animals.

2. Flower Heads Droop

As their seeds continue to develop, sunflowers are likely to drop their petals and change appearance. The most notable sign is the bloom’s nodding habit, in which the flower begins to droop, facing toward the ground. You may also notice the plants being visited by birds more frequently as the fresh seed approaches maturity.

3. Backs of Heads Turns Yellow

A change in color is another key indicator that sunflower seeds are ready to harvest. At maturity, the backs of each sunflower head often fade to a pale yellow or straw-like hue. Though this transition may be more evident in some varieties than others, this change in appearance is a good indication that it may be time to harvest the seeds.

4. Seeds Get Larger

When they’re ready, the sunflower’s seeds will look plump, and the seed coats will be fully black or black and white striped, depending on the variety.

How to Harvest Sunflower Seeds

Once you know when your sunflower seeds are ready to harvest, it's time to start collecting. It only takes a few simple steps to harvest your seeds. Here's how to do it:

1. Let Them Ripen on the Stems

One method for harvesting sunflower seeds is to allow the seeds to fully ripen on the stem. When seeds are fully ripe and just beginning to loosen from the head, cut the stem about one inch (2.5 cm) below the head. Now briskly rub the seeds from the head with your hand, blow off the chaff, and allow the seeds to dry before storing.

An alternative method is to wait until about ⅔ of the seeds are mature. Cut a longer piece of stem -- 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) works well. Wrap a paper bag around the head and hang the heads in in a well ventilated area for a few weeks to dry. Make sure the area is warm, but not hot.

2. Cut Off the Heads

There are several ways to harvest sunflowers. One is simply cutting the heads off the plant, leaving a short length of stem attached to the flower. Since many varieties of sunflower grow quite large, you should use care in the cutting stems. Branching types can likely be cut with a sturdy pair of bypass snips, while giant and single-flower cultivars may require the use of pruners or loppers.

3. Place in a Bag

Cut flower heads can be placed into a bag after harvest. Smaller flowers can be placed together in bunches, but larger types may require more space. Brown paper bags or net mesh, both available on Amazon, are among the most popular and cost-effective options. Before storage, each bag should be loosely secured with a twist tie, string, or rubber band.

4. Hang Upside Down

Hanging seed heads upside down in a warm, dry space will help to dry and further prepare the seed for harvest. If they have ample air flow, dried seed heads should be ready in approximately 3-4 weeks. At this time, mature sunflower seeds should fall freely from the flower head. If needed, you can help coax the seeds from the plant by gently rubbing the sunflower heads together.

How to Roast Sunflower Seeds

After harvest, sunflower seeds can be roasted. You may want to hull, or remove the seeds from their shells, before roasting them.

The roasting process will vary depending upon personal preference, but most consist of a soak in salt solution, followed by a long cook period under low-medium heat. Finished seeds will have a light, toasted aroma and golden appearance. The use of additional spices and seasoning can help you to craft your own unique garden snack.

How to Save Sunflower Seeds for Planting

If you’d like to save your sunflower seeds for planting, do so directly after they are completely dry. The drier the seeds are, the longer they will keep. A closed container such as a sealed, airtight mason jar works best. You can get Ball Wide Mouth mason jars on Amazon. Don’t forget to label the contents clearly and date it.

For seeds that will be stored for only a season, place the container in a cool, dark location. The refrigerator is a great place to store seeds. To help ensure the seeds remain dry, you can place silica gel or 2 tablespoons (29.5 mL) of powdered milk wrapped in tissue in the bottom of the jar. Both silica gel and powdered milk are available on Amazon.

You can also freeze your seeds. Either place them in an airtight, freezer safe container or toss them into a freezer bag. Most sunflower seeds will last for up to a year when stored in the fridge or freezer. Those stored short term, such as in the pantry, should be used within 2-3 months.

If you want to separate your seeds into envelopes, winnowing may help to remove additional debris, leaving only viable seed.

Sunflowers are popular mainstays in many home gardens and growing them can be especially rewarding. While sunflower problems are few, you may encounter them on occasion. Keeping your garden clean and free of weeds and debris, however, is your best line of defense in preventing these sunflower problems from occurring.

Pest Management in Sunflower Plants

Not many pests bother the sunflower and those that do only wreak havoc in large numbers. The most common sunflower pests include the following:

• Sunflower Beetles - Sunflower beetles typically feed on the leaf foliage and in small numbers or older plants may seldom hurt the plants. However, on younger sunflower plants, the first true leaves can be severely damaged or completely consumed.
• Cutworms - Cutworms can also damage the leaves of young sunflowers, leaving notches or holes. Wilting may also occur. Again, these are usually not major issues unless there is a heavy infestation.
• Sunflower Borers - Sunflower borers and stem maggots burrow into the stems of sunflower plants to feed. This can quickly kill the vegetation and other parts of sunflower plants, especially in large numbers.
• Sunflower Moths - Sunflower moths are one of the most destructive pests to sunflowers, laying their eggs within the flowers. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae move into the flower heads to feed, ultimately destroying the plants.
• Grasshoppers - Grasshoppers and various caterpillars also enjoy nibbling on sunflower foliage. While rarely a major problem, large numbers can quickly defoliate plants.

Pest management in sunflower plants involves prevention. Keeping the area free of weeds and debris can help. Damage can also be reduced by treating the area before sunflower pests become well established. Later planting, such as in June or July, may also help alleviate any problems. While there are many broad-spectrum insecticides available for sunflower use, organic insecticides, which are deemed safer, can be used as well - including Bt products.

Sunflower Problems with Disease

Although sunflowers can be affected by some disease problems, rarely is this an issue, as these plants are typically quite hardy. Various leaf spot diseases may cause surface spots or yellow patches. Rust, verticillium wilt, and powdery mildew can also affect sunflower plants on occasion. However, the most common threat to these plants is Sclerotinia stem rot, also known as white mold. This fungus can cause sudden wilting of leaves, stem cankers, and root or head rot. Crop rotation can reduce the likelihood of this disease as well as proper watering practices.

Many people have been drawn to images of bright yellow nodding heads growing side by side in wide sunflowers fields. Some people may decide to grow sunflowers so they can harvest the seeds, or others just like the happy sight of growing sunflower fields. Whatever your reason for growing sunflower fields, you will find out very quickly that there is one detail that you need to pay attention to. This is weed control in sunflowers. Due to the fact that sunflowers grown from seeds can take up to two weeks to appear, weeds can very easily establish themselves and then shade the sunflower seedlings, which will stunt the sunflowers' growth. You have three major options with weed control in sunflowers. You can either till or hoe between the rows, you can use chemicals, or you can use a Clearfield sunflower variety in combination with specific chemicals.

Tilling Weeds in Sunflowers

Tilling between rows is a good option due to the fact that sunflowers can stand up well to mechanical methods of tilling. For ideal weed control in sunflowers using the tilling method, till once before the seedlings come up out of the ground, about one week after they are planted. Then till one to three more times after the seedling have emerged but before they are tall enough to shade the weeds out on their own. Once the sunflowers have fully established themselves, you can do spot hoeing or flame scorching.

Weed Killers Safe for Sunflowers

Another option for weed control in sunflowers is using weed killers safe for sunflowers, or pre-emergents that will not affect sunflower seeds. When using chemicals for weed control in sunflowers, you must be careful to use very specific types of chemicals that will not harm the sunflowers. Unfortunately, many weed killers safe for sunflowers will only kill certain varieties of weeds, or can linger in food crop foods.

Clearfield Sunflower Varieties

For commercial sunflower production levels, you may want to consider purchasing a Clearfield sunflower variety. These are varieties that have been combined with a trait found in wild varieties of sunflowers that makes the sunflowers resistant to ALS-inhibitor weed killers. Clearfield sunflower varieties must be used in conjunction with Beyond herbicides for weed control in sunflowers.

You have a beautiful sunflower in your yard, except you didn't plant it there (probably a gift from a passing bird) but it looks nice and you want to keep it. You may be asking yourself, "Is my sunflower an annual or a perennial?" Read on to learn more.

Annual and Perennial Sunflowers

Sunflowers are either an annual (where they need to be replanted every year) or a perennial (where they will come back every year from the same plant) and telling the difference is not that hard if you know how. Some differences between annual sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) and perennial sunflowers (Helianthus multiflorus) include:

• Seed heads - Annual sunflowers can have either large or small seed heads, but perennial sunflowers have only small seed heads.
• Blooms - Annual sunflowers will bloom the first year after being planted from seeds, but perennial sunflowers grown from seed will not bloom for at least two years.
• Roots - Perennial sunflowers will have tubers and rhizomes attached to their roots, but annual sunflowers just have the typical string-like roots. Also, annual sunflowers will have shallow roots while perennial sunflowers have deeper roots.
• Post winter emergence - Perennial sunflowers will start up from the ground in early spring. Annual sunflowers growing from reseeding will not start to show up until late spring.
• Germination - Annual sunflowers will germinate and grow rapidly while perennial sunflowers grow much more slowly.
• Seeds - Non hybridized perennial sunflowers will have relatively few seeds since it prefers to spread through its roots. The seeds also tend to be smaller. Annual sunflowers spread through their seeds and, because of this, have many large seeds. An example of annual seeds are these Seed Needs Sunflower Seeds for Planting Dwarf Sunspot Sunflowers from Amazon. But because of modern hybridization, there are now perennial sunflowers that have more seeds on their flower heads, like these Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) seeds also from Amazon.
• Growth pattern - Annual sunflowers tend to grow from a single stems spaced out from each other. Perennial sunflowers grow in clumps with many stems coming out of the ground a tight clump.

Sunflowers have a long tradition of being grown for food. Early Native Americans were among the first to grow sunflowers as a food source, and with good reason. Sunflowers are a source of all sorts of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin E, not to mention that they just taste great.

Growing Sunflowers as Food

If you have decided to try growing sunflowers as food, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.

Choose the right kind when growing sunflowers for food

First, you need to choose the right kind of sunflower to grow. While there are now dozens of varieties of sunflowers to choose from, you should find one that is a confectionery sunflower seed or a non-oil seed. These tend to be the large black and white striped seeds. These are the tastiest seeds for human consumption. Some examples of confectionery sunflower seeds are:

• Russian Mammoth
• Paul Bunyan Hybrid
• Miriam
• Tarahumara

Choose the right spot when planting sunflowers for food

Next, you need to select a good place to grow your sunflowers. Sunflowers need plenty of sunlight, so make sure that the site you choose gets at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day. You also want to make sure that the place you choose has good drainage, but also has a soil structure that will retain some water as sunflowers need lots of water.

Sunflowers need lots of fertilizer

Sunflowers are also heavy feeders. Make sure the ground that you plant your sunflowers in has plenty of nutrients to support the sunflowers. If you are not sure that the place you have chosen has enough nutrients, amend the soil with either compost, well-composted manure, or fertilizer. Also, be aware that the sunflowers will deplete the soil they grow in. If you plan on growing anything else in that location (especially if you are growing the sunflowers in your vegetable garden), you will need to amend the soil after you have harvested your sunflowers.

How to Plant Sunflowers for Food

Plant your sunflower seeds directly into the ground right after the last frost date of your area. Be sure to keep the area weed-free until the sunflower grows tall enough to reach above any possible surrounding weeds. Letting weeds grow around seedling sunflowers could block the much-needed sunlight from the sunflower seedlings. Your sunflower seeds will be ready to harvest when the head turns down towards the ground. If you wish to double-check that your sunflower seeds are ready, simply remove one seed from the head and crack it open. The kernel inside should be plump and fill the whole shell. When your sunflower gets near to being ready to harvest, you may also wish to protect the head from birds and other animals that also find sunflower seeds tasty. To do this, cover the seed head in mesh or netting.

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are perhaps one of the easiest flowers you can grow in the garden. They are so easy to grow that they are frequently used to introduce very young gardeners to the joys of gardening. Many gardeners fondly remember planting the black and white seeds of giant sunflowers and watching in wonder as they grew to tower into the sky. Just because sunflowers are easy to grow, however, does not mean that they should be dismissed from the grown-up garden. The variety of sunflowers available to the home gardener is absolutely amazing and, as an added bonus, sunflowers can help attract some local birds to your garden.

What Sunflowers Look Like

Sunflowers come in sizes that range from dwarf varieties, which can be as small as a foot and a half (46 cm.) tall, to giant varieties, which grow to be over 12 feet (4 m.) tall. You can find sunflowers in colors from very pale yellows to dark, burgundy reds and all shades of yellow, red, and orange in-between. Sunflowers come in a variety of petal counts too. While the single layer of petals is still the most common, you can find quite a few sunflower varieties with double and teddy bear petal layers. All of these sunflower options ensure that when you add these flowers to your garden, it will be anything but blah.

Information About Adding Sunflowers to Your Garden

If you decide to add sunflowers to your garden, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. First of all, sunflowers are called sunflowers for a reason. They need sun. Make sure that the location you choose for your sunflowers gets full sun. Second, you do not need to worry about soil too much. Sunflowers are not picky about the conditions of the soil, but they are plants. They will do better in better soil. Third, sunflower seed shells do contain a substance that is toxic to grass. So, you will need to either harvest the sunflower heads before the seeds begin to fall out or you will need to plant your sunflowers in a location where you do not mind any nearby grass being killed. Fourth, keep in mind the height of the sunflower variety you have chosen. A giant, 12 foot (4 m.) variety will end up acting very much like a small tree and may shade surrounding flowers. As mentioned above, sunflowers can help to attract local birds to your garden. When the growing season is coming to a close, you can harvest your sunflower heads and use some of the seeds to feed the birds over winter. You have two options when using sunflower seeds to feed the birds. The first is to simply leave the sunflower heads outside for the birds. This option is the easiest but be warned, the birds will likely make a mess when pulling the seeds out of the sunflower head. Your other option is to remove the seeds from the head and to put them in your bird feeder. This method is a little more work but will be neater in the long run. Also, putting the seeds in a birdfeeder will help to keep your feathered friends safe as the birdfeeder will be up off the ground and out of reach of many predators. So, while you may have fond memories of tall yellow sunflowers that you planted as a child, give this old garden favorite a new try and rediscover the world of sunflowers.