Sunflower Sunburst - Mr. Fothergill's Seeds

Helianthus annuus

• Annual
• Full sun
• Large, lovely bicoloured flowers
  
• Quick and Easy to grow
• Perfect as a backdrop in a border garden
• Great as cut flowers
• Pollinator friendly

Add a sunburst to your garden with these. Easy and quick to grow, coloured sunflower. Perfect as a screen or backdrop to a summer border.

Sunflowers are very easy to grow, they come in all sizes for borders, beds, pots and containers, adding warmth and vibrancy to any outdoor living space – large or small. They look dramatic combined with other easy annuals such as Cosmos, Coreopsis or Cornflower.

Sunflowers are long-lasting whether used in the garden or as cut flowers, and attract a wealth of beneficial insects. Their spent heads can also be left to feed birds throughout winter.

Approx. 50 seeds

Sow outdoors, March-May, where they are to flower, 1.5cm (½") deep, directly into finely-prepared, well-drained soil, which has already been watered. Sow two seeds together every 45cm (18"). Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days. Remove the weaker plant, which can be transplanted if desired. Water well until young plants are established.

Sow indoors, March-May, 1.5cm (½") deep, individually in small pots of compost. Water well and place in a cold frame or greenhouse. Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out, May-June, 45cm (18") apart. Flowers: June to September.

Leave the dead flower heads to attract and help feed wild birds in autumn. Easy to grow, but if garden pests are a problem, start seeds indoors.

Sunflower blooms always face the rising sun, so plan wisely to be able to enjoy the flowers all day.