Sunflower

Botanical Name

Helianthus annuus

Hardiness

Half hardy annual

Height

2 to 10 feet

Width

12 to 24 inches

Flowers

Summer to frost: yellows, whites, reds, bronze; brown, purple, or crimson center

Light

Full sun

Soil

Well-drained to dry

Planting & Care

Problems

Mildew, leaf spot, rust, stem rot, aphids

Varieties

Teddy Bear - 2-3', double flower
Valentine - lemon yellow, 5', long lasting cutflower
Ring of Fire - brown center with ring of red and gold petals
Ballad - no pollen, good for containers, 24-30", earlier bloomer, mildew resistant
Italian White - 5', primrose-yellow
Mammoth, Russian & Russian Giant - tall, 12-15'