Flowers
Helianthus 'Velvet Queen'
Sunflowers
The rich, intense flowers of this popular annual make it a highly ornamental choice for borders as well for cutting, as the blooms will look fabulous in floral arrangements. Sunflowers are beneficial and perfect for wildlife gardens, attracting pollinators and birds alike. Easy and fun to grow, especially with children.
- Plant type
- Annual
- Position
- Full sun
- Height
- 1.5m
- Spread
- 40cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
Sow undercover Mar-Apr 1.5cm deep in individual pots. Grow on under cover and plant out 45cm apart when danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, Apr-Jun, sow directly in prepared soil raked to a fine tilth. Sow 2 seeds together, and thin out the weaker seedling once they appear.
Aftercare
Keep well-watered until established. Flower stems will require staking. To harvest the seed, protect the seed head from squirrels and birds by wrapping in garden fleecing or drying indoors.
Gallery
Ref. SES026