Sunflowers are the epitome of summer and sun and thus stand for happiness, confidence and warmth. What could be more natural than enjoying this annual plant with small or large flowers in the garden, on the balcony or in the house? The variety is infinite. In addition to the classic flowers, double or red-brown types are available on the market. Cultivation on the balcony and in the garden is uncomplicated and it is fascinating for children to experience what can be produced from a seed in a short time. The nectar-rich flowers are a valuable food source for insects. As a cut flower, the classic summer flower will delight for many days in the vase. Magical decorations for summer parties can be conjured up quickly and easily with the impressive blossoms.
Useful Information Location Planting Care Pests & Diseases FAQ
Use: Annual summer flower, bouquets, flowering pot plant, insect edible plant, food plant for birds
Origin: North America Cultivation period
: April to October — if planted in April, protection from frost may be necessary
Flower color: yellow, red-brown, brown, orange, red-yellow
Special features: Characteristic of the fast-growing ornamental plant is that the young plants turn towards the sun. The sunflower seeds obtained as seeds contain many minerals, vegetable protein and vitamins. Above all, the high content of unsaturated fatty acids makes sunflower oil so valuable, healthy and indispensable for salads.
In which location does the sunflower feel most comfortable
Sunflowers need a sunny spot that is warm and sheltered. A sunny spot outside in front of a south-facing wall is ideal, which reflects the heat and protects against strong winds. As an annual plant of the daisy family, the sun worshiper needs at least 5-6 hours of sun. In addition to sufficient light and sun, a humus-rich soil and an even water supply are important. In the right location, the plants develop into stately specimens within a few weeks without much care.
How do I plant my sunflowers in the garden?
The summer plant feels particularly at home in a humus and nutrient-rich location. Sunflowers are heat-loving plants that you can sow or plant for growing in the garden. With the so-called pre-culture, you start sowing the seeds in early spring. Sow the sunflower seeds indoors in potting soil or coconut pellets from March. The latter has the advantage that the seedlings no longer have to be separated. Cultivation in a bright location at 18°C is optimal. If the young plants are too warm or dark, they will become long and unstable. After gradually hardening off, you can plant the plants in the garden from mid-May.
The second variant is direct sowing of the sunflowers in the garden from the end of April. At a soil temperature of 10°C, the sunflower seeds begin to germinate and the first leaves are visible after just one week. It is important that you make sure, especially when young, that snails do not destroy the fresh green.
Our gardening tip: The selection of seeds is endless. From the many types, choose the right one for your purpose and the types that you like. Sunflower culture quickly becomes a passion for collectors.
How do I properly care for my Helianthus?
In the garden
Whether planted out in the garden or in a bucket on the balcony or terrace: the annual flower needs an even supply of water and a constant supply of nutrients. If the latter is missing, it comes to stunted growth and light leaves, sometimes also to small flower heads. Therefore, the use of good quality potting soil is very important. How often you have to water depends on the temperature, rainfall, the size of the plant and the soil conditions. A blanket recommendation is not possible. With need-based watering, you ensure that it never gets dry or waterlogged. Sunflowers planted in pots also need sufficient water, but excess water should be poured off half an hour after watering. In addition to the water supply, the annual plants need sufficient nutrients. Depending on your preference, you can fertilize with liquid flower fertilizer or organic garden fertilizer.
A support may be necessary for sunflower varieties that grow over a meter tall or have flower heads over 50 centimeters in diameter. With the record holder, the King Kong variety with a height of up to 4.50 m, supporting is a matter of course.
Our gardening tip: Immediately after planting, put some compost around the stems of the young plants. This keeps snails away and the soil does not dry out as easily. In addition, the humus gradually releases nutrients and acts as an organic fertilizer.
As a houseplant
Even without a garden or balcony you can enjoy the yellow sun. In summer, dwarf varieties in particular can provide a lot of joy as flowering houseplants in the house. Whether as a mini plant, as a single shoot or as a branched plant: the care is identical. A bright location without direct sunlight at temperatures around 20°C is important for long-lasting flowering. An even water supply is important because the plants in small pots have many roots and little soil for water storage. Daily watering may be necessary on hot days, but no water should be allowed to stand in the planter or saucer. Fertilization is not necessary. Depending on the variety, the flowering potted plants last between 1-3 weeks. In addition to buying a ready-made flower, sowing in sets with sunflower seeds is a good way to to enjoy flowering plants again and again. Choose small varieties and put the seeds in a special soil that should be kept evenly moist. It is important that the substrate never dries out and you do not fertilize. When purchasing, it is important that you select specimens that are not yet in full bloom. So you can enjoy the flowers for longer.
Our gardening tip: Small sunflowers can easily be used as table decorations with the right cachepots.
As a cut flower
With a bouquet of sunflowers you give every room a very special atmosphere. Thanks to the likeable flower heads, the annual sunflower is ideal for wedding decorations, garden parties or simply as a bouquet in everyday life. Sunflowers are ideal as cut flowers. It doesn’t matter whether the flowers are large or small: they quickly put you in a good mood and are easy to cut and arrange beautifully. In addition to sufficient water and preservative, a location that has no direct sunlight is important for long-lasting splendor. Change the flower water every three days and remove the lower leaves to prevent rot. When buying or cutting in the field, it is important that the flower heads are of the correct maturity. Too small, green heads do not bloom, Fully blossomed specimens can only be kept for a short time. Depending on the variety, cut sunflowers stay fresh for five to eleven days with proper care.
Our gardening tip: avoid using hot water or manipulating the stems. This destroys cells and the stalks rot much faster.
What pests and diseases can the sunflower get
Sunflowers are hardy and not particularly susceptible to pests and diseases. Problems can arise from snail damage, a place that is too dry and low soil moisture. However, sunflower care is easy and a seed can grow into a stately plant without too much trouble.
FAQ — Frequently asked questions about the sunflower
Why do the sunflowers rotate during the day?
The substance auxin is formed in the part of the plant that receives less light. This substance controls the growth of the plant. The shaded side of the inflorescence grows faster than the side exposed to the sun. As a result, the stalk steadily inclines towards the sun over the course of the day and the plant receives more light. Only when they are fully grown and their flowers are fully open do the sunflowers only look towards the rising sun in the east.
Which plants are suitable for the combination?
Depending on your preference, combinations with other plants are possible. It is important that the selected species also needs sunny locations and humus-rich soil. Nasturtiums, annual cornflowers, cosmos and many other items are well suited.
Are there also perennial species?
In addition to Helianthus annuus, there are perennial sunflowers. These are perennial and depending on the species 1.50-2.50 meters tall. The mostly yellow flowers are simple or semi-double. Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is also known as a perennial herbaceous sunflower.
Can sunflowers be planted in the same place several years in a row?
Once the annuals’ glory is over, large flower heads can be cut off and hung to dry. The kernels contain a high proportion of vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids. Either they serve as bird feed or as seeds for the next year. The stalks are composted in autumn and the soil loosened. Summer flowers can be sown again next year in the same spot without any problems. In agricultural production, a break of 3-4 years is recommended before re-sowing.
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With a sowing calendar you will not miss the right time for sowing. But it takes a bit of instinct and the right accessories to develop strong plants from seeds. Our professional tips give you the answers to the 10 most important questions about sowing.
The sunflower in the language of flowers
Have you always wondered what the meaning of the sunflower is in the language of flowers? In our consultant we show different plants and their meaning.
to the language of flowers
Sunflowers are the epitome of summer and sun and thus stand for happiness, confidence and warmth. What could be more natural than enjoying this annual plant with small or large flowers in the garden, on the balcony or in the house? The variety is infinite. In addition to the classic flowers, double or red-brown types are available on the market. Cultivation on the balcony and in the garden is uncomplicated and it is fascinating for children to experience what can be produced from a seed in a short time. The nectar-rich flowers are a valuable food source for insects. As a cut flower, the classic summer flower will delight for many days in the vase. Magical decorations for summer parties can be conjured up quickly and easily with the impressive blossoms.
Use: Annual summer flower, bouquets, flowering pot plant, insect edible plant, food plant for birds
Origin: North America Cultivation period
: April to October — if planted in April, protection from frost may be necessary
Flower color: yellow, red-brown, brown, orange, red-yellow
Special features: Characteristic of the fast-growing ornamental plant is that the young plants turn towards the sun. The sunflower seeds obtained as seeds contain many minerals, vegetable protein and vitamins. Above all, the high content of unsaturated fatty acids makes sunflower oil so valuable, healthy and indispensable for salads.
In which location does the sunflower feel most comfortable?
Sunflowers need a sunny spot that is warm and sheltered. A sunny spot outside in front of a south-facing wall is ideal, which reflects the heat and protects against strong winds. As an annual plant of the daisy family, the sun worshiper needs at least 5 to 6 hours of sun. In addition to sufficient light and sun, a humus-rich soil and an even water supply are important. Without much care, the plants develop into stately specimens within a few weeks in the right location.
How do I plant my sunflowers in the garden?
The summer plant feels particularly at home in a humus and nutrient-rich location. Sunflowers are heat-loving plants that you can sow or plant for growing in the garden. With the so-called pre-culture, you start sowing the seeds in early spring. Sow the sunflower seeds indoors in potting soil or coconut pellets from March. The latter have the advantage that the seedlings no longer have to be separated. Cultivation in a bright location at 18 °C is optimal. If the young plants are too warm or dark, they will become long and unstable. After gradually hardening off, you can plant the plants in the garden from mid-May.
The second variant is direct sowing of the sunflowers in the garden from the end of April. At a soil temperature of 10 °C, the sunflower seeds begin to germinate and the first leaves are visible after just one week. It is important that you make sure, especially when young, that snails do not destroy the fresh green.
Our gardening tip: The selection of seeds is endless. From the many types, choose the right one for your purpose and the types that you like. Sunflower culture quickly becomes a passion for collectors.
How do I properly care for my Helianthus?
In the garden
Whether planted out in the garden or in a bucket on the balcony or terrace: the annual flower needs an even supply of water and a constant supply of nutrients. If the latter is missing, it comes to stunted growth and light leaves, sometimes also to small flower heads. Therefore, the use of good quality potting soil is very important. How often you have to water depends on the temperature, rainfall, the size of the plant and the soil conditions. A blanket recommendation is not possible. With need-based watering, you ensure that it never gets dry or waterlogged. Sunflowers planted in pots also need sufficient water, but excess water should be poured off half an hour after watering. In addition to the water supply, the annual plants need sufficient nutrients. Depending on your preference, you canliquid flower fertilizer or organic garden fertilizer.
A support may be necessary for sunflower varieties that grow more than a meter high or have flower heads with a diameter of more than 50 centimeters. With the record holder, the King Kong variety with a height of up to 4.50 m, supporting is a matter of course.
Our gardening tip: Immediately after planting, put a little compost around the stems of the young plants. This keeps snails away and the soil does not dry out as easily. In addition, the humus gradually releases nutrients and acts as an organic fertilizer.
As a houseplant
Even without a garden or balcony you can enjoy the yellow sun. In summer, dwarf varieties in particular can provide a lot of joy as flowering houseplants in the house. Whether as a mini plant, as a single shoot or as a branched plant: the care is identical. A bright location without direct sunlight at temperatures around 20 °C is important for long-lasting flowers. An even water supply is important because the plants in small pots have many roots and little soil for water storage. Daily watering may be necessary on hot days, but no water should be allowed to stand in the planter or saucer. Fertilization is not necessary. Depending on the variety, the flowering potted plants last between 1 and 3 weeks. In addition to buying a ready-made flower, sowing in sets with sunflower seeds is a great way to enjoy plants that bloom again and again. Choose small varieties and put the seeds in a special soil that should be kept evenly moist. It is important that the substrate never dries out and you do not fertilize. When purchasing sunflowers, it is important that you select specimens that are not yet in full bloom. So you can enjoy the flowers for longer.
Our gardening tip: Small sunflowers can easily be used as table decorations with the right cachepots.
As a cut flower
With a bouquet of sunflowers you give every room a very special atmosphere. Thanks to the likeable flower heads, the annual sunflower is ideal for wedding decorations, garden parties or simply as a bouquet in everyday life. Sunflowers are ideal as cut flowers. It doesn’t matter whether the flowers are large or small: they quickly put you in a good mood and are easy to cut and arrange beautifully. In addition to sufficient water and preservative, a location that has no direct sunlight is important for long-lasting splendor. Change the flower water every three days and remove the lower leaves to prevent rot. When buying or cutting in the field, it is important that the flower heads are of the correct maturity. Too small, green heads do not bloom, Fully blossomed specimens can only be kept for a short time. Depending on the variety, cut sunflowers stay fresh for five to eleven days with proper care.
Our gardening tip: avoid using hot water or manipulating the stems. This destroys cells and the stalks rot much faster.
What pests and diseases can the sunflower get?
Sunflowers are hardy and not particularly susceptible to pests and diseases. Problems can arise from snail damage, a place that is too dry and low soil moisture. However, caring for sunflowers is easy and a seed can grow into a stately plant without too much trouble.
FAQ — Frequently asked questions about the sunflower
Why do the sunflowers rotate during the day?
The substance auxin is formed in the part of the plant that receives less light. This substance controls the growth of the plant. The shaded side of the inflorescence grows faster than the side exposed to the sun. As a result, the stalk steadily inclines towards the sun over the course of the day and the plant receives more light. Only when they are fully grown and their flowers are fully open do the sunflowers only look towards the rising sun in the east.
Which plants are suitable for the combination?
Depending on your preference, combinations with other plants are possible. It is important that the selected species also needs sunny locations and humus-rich soil. Nasturtiums, annual cornflowers, cosmos and many other items are well suited.
Are there also perennial species?
In addition to Helianthus annuus, there are perennial sunflowers. These are perennial and depending on the species 1.50 to 2.50 meters tall. The mostly yellow flowers are simple or semi-double. Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is also known as a perennial herbaceous sunflower.
Can sunflowers be planted in the same place several years in a row?
Once the annuals’ glory is over, large flower heads can be cut off and hung to dry. The kernels contain a high proportion of vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids. Either they serve as bird feed or as seeds for the next year. The stalks are composted in autumn and the soil loosened. Summer flowers can be sown again next year in the same spot without any problems. In agricultural production, a break of 3 to 4 years is recommended before re-sowing.