Melinda Myers

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

• Space plants 12 to 24 inches or more apart
• Big headed types may need staking

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'