General Culture: Click for monthly care information.
Annual. Easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates poor soils that are on the dry side. Plant seed in the garden after last frost date. Plants grow so rapidly that there is little reason to start seed indoors. Plant additional seed at subsequent two week intervals to extend bloom time. This variety should be sited in locations sheltered from strong winds. Plant foliage often depreciates as the summer progresses. Removal of browned and tattered plants from the garden after bloom may improve the appearance of the landscape, but is a great disappointment to local bird populations that love to feed on the seeds. If the plants must come down, consider saving the seed heads for feeding the birds in winter.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Helianthus annuus (see A583 herein), commonly called sunflower, is a coarse, hairy, leafy, fast-growing annual that is native to dry plains, prairies, meadows and foothills in the western U. S., Canada and northern Mexico. It typically grows 5-10’ tall on stiff upright stalks. Species plants feature 3-6” wide sunflowers with orange-yellow rays and brown to purple center disks. ‘Sungold’ is a double flowered cultivar that typically grows to 6-7’ tall. Each flower (to 10” diameter) is densely packed with golden yellow petals. Flowers bloom throughout summer. Large, ovate to triangular, sandpapery leaves to 12” long. Flower heads tend to follow the path of the sun each day from morning to night, hence the common name.
Problems:
Rust, leaf fungal spots and powdery mildew are somewhat common. Caterpillars and beetles often chew on the foliage. May need staking, particularly if grown in exposed locations.
Uses:
Small groups or mass. Borders, cottage gardens, bird gardens, wildflower or native plant gardens. This tall variety may be effective in border rears or backgrounds.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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