Grow some sunshine in your garden! There are actually almost 70 slightly different types of these summer-y flowers, from impressive tall varieties to petite Sunflowers that are perfect for pots. They’re easy to grow from seed, and the birds and bees will love the flowers too. Â
Choose a sunny spot, sheltered from strong winds
Water regularly
Well drained soil
Suitable for all climates
How to grow sunflowers in a garden
Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed, sown directly where the plants are to grow. Use the table below from The Seed Collection to identify the best time of year to sow sunflower seeds.
Choose a sunny location
As the name suggests, sunflowers love the sun. Choose a location that will receive at least 6 hours of full sun per day with well drained soil enriched with organic matter. Ensure the location is sheltered from strong winds.
Improve the soil
Sunflowers are annuals that grow well in fertile, well-drained soil. Their ideal soil conditions lie between a pH level of 6.0 and 7.5, however, they’re pretty hardy so will grow in most soils with some care.
Prepare the soil by weeding it thoroughly, and adding a soil improver or compost.
How to sow sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds can be sown directly into the garden or seedlings can be raised in trays/containers and transplanted once established.
Sowing direct into garden
- Sow seed 10-12 mm deep into the soil. For tall varieties space the seeds 50–60 cm apart. For smaller varieties allow 30 cm.
- Keep soil moist but never wet or dry. Water at the base of the plant instead of over the leaves.
- Seeds should germinate in 7-14 days with soil temperatures at 21-30°C.
- Once established, start fertilising & protect from pests such as snails or slugs
Raising seedlings then transplanting
- Fill trays, punnets or peat pots with quality seed raising mix
- Sow seeds 10mm deep
- Keep soil moist
- Seeds should germinate in around 7-14 days at a soil temperature of 21-30°C.
- Transplant once they have their first leaves & are 5-10cm tall
- Space out 30-50cms apart
Supporting growing sunflowers
As tall sunflowers grow, they can become quite top heavy and may bend or snap, especially if there are strong winds and rain. To support tall varieties, drive a sturdy bamboo or wooden stake into the soil next to the plant and secure with garden twine.
Common Problems of Sunflowers
Why have my sunflower seedlings disappeared?
Snails & slugs are an extremely common pest of sunflower seelings. Protect them with a snail & slug bait.
What are the small bugs on my sunflowers?
Sunflowers can be prone to sap-sucking pestslike whitefly, thrips, mites and aphids.
Check under foilage or around the flower head as thats where they tend to hide. Watch for early symptoms such as yellowing or distorted leaves.
How to treat sap sucking pests on sunflower plants?
As soon as you notice the pests, spray plants with an insecticide. Yates Rose Gun is a great option as it is an all in one insecticide, fungicide and miticide for controlling pests & diseases on roses and ornamentals. Ensure you spray both sides of the foliage.
Small orange spots on sunflower leaves?
Powdery orange spots on leaves is a disease called rust. It can spread rapidly and impact plant health immensely. Utilise a treatment such as Lime Sulphur.
White powder on sunflower leaves?
Powder like growth or powdery white spots is a disease called powdery mildew. It is common in damp or humid conditions. Utilise a fungicide.
