SUNFLOWER

Plant Name: Sunflower
Scientific Name: Helianthus annuus — Common Sunflower, Annual Sunflower
Type: Annual
Mature Height: 2–12 ft, depending on variety
Mature Spread: 1–3 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Sun: Full sun
Water: Moderate; approximately 1–2 gal per plant per watering, 2–3 times/week while establishing; increase during hot, dry weather
Foliage: Large, rough-textured, heart-shaped green leaves; herbaceous
Fall Color: Green until frost
Flower Color: Yellow, gold, orange, red, burgundy, and bicolored
Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
Fruit: Large edible seeds produced in the central flower head
Hardiness Zones: 2–11; grown as an annual
Features: Fast-growing; attracts bees and butterflies; seed-producing; excellent for pollinator gardens, cut flowers, and borders
Additional Facts: Sunflowers grow rapidly from seed and perform best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Tall varieties may require staking in windy locations. The flower head follows the sun when young, but mature heads generally face east.