Flowers
Helianthus 'Teddy Bear' (Sunflower)
Sunflowers
A compact, bushy, multiheaded sunflower. This easy-to-grow annual is a lovely addition to any border. Likes full sun or semi shade. It also makes an impressive cut flower and lasts well in a vase. Suitable for growing in containers, but chose a large pot as the flower heads are heavy.
- Plant type
- Annual
- Position
- Full sun
- Height
- 75cm
- Spread
- 45cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
Start early inside March-April. Sow in pots of seed compost 15mm deep, and keep moist. Place in cold frame or greenhouse, and acclimatise before planting outdoors, when risk of frost has passed. Alternatively, sow directly April-May in a well-prepared seedbed, raked to a fine tilth. Keep moist until established.
Aftercare
The sunflower seeds are edible. To harvest, wrap the seedhead with garden fleece to protect seeds from local wildlife. Or cut the head as it finishes flowering and bring inside to dry.
Gallery
Ref. SES024