At a Glance
- Variety:Sunflower
Branched plant for multiple flowers.
Plant close for longer stems and smaller flowers.
Looks superb mixed with yellow sunflowers.
Sowing Time
Indoors: March – May
Outdoors: April – May
Sowing Indoors
Fill a small 6cm (2.5in) pot with seed compost, shake and level firm with the base of another pot. Water well with a fine rose. Sow seeds individually into compost, pushing seeds to 1cm (1/2in) deep. Place in a propagator at 15-20 degree Celsius (60-70 Fahrenheit) or cover pot with cling film and leave in a warm room.
Growing On
When shoots appear, remove cling film. Keep seedlings in a light position, but shade from direct sunlight. Grow on in a minimum temperature of 10 degree Celsius (50 Fahrenheit)
Hardening Off/Planting Out
Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions for 2-3 weeks before planting out when risk of frost has passed. Water well until established.
Sowing Outdoors
Sow seeds in pre-watered soil at a depth of 2cm (1in) in their flowering positions. Keep soil moist until seedlings are established. Thin out to 60cm (24in) apart.
Flowering Time
July – October.
Special Note
Do not remove spent sunflower heads. They provide attractive autumn seed heads which are great for providing wild birds with a treat.
