Sunflowers are often considered the happiest of flowers and it’s easy to see why, they’re bright, bold and exude a feeling of warmth. And with the sun really starting to shine, now is the time to start growing sunflowers.
For inspiration, Melissa visits a pick-your-own farm to find out all she can direct from a Sunflower farmer. Whether you’re wanting to brighten up your garden or maybe give away some potted sunflowers as gifts, Melissa has all the tips and tricks to bring these little buds of sunshine to life.
It’s time to put a smile on your dial, because sunflower season is here. Like roses, sunflowers Helianthus are one of the most recognisable blooms and growing them is a sure way to add joy and colour to your garden.
You’ll usually find potted sunflower plants in stores from January to March and while these plants will add instant colour to your garden, many find it more satisfying to grow the golden blooms from seed.
Growing sunflowers from seed is highly rewarding as they grow quickly and, in the right conditions, will usually flower within 6-10 days of planting.
Sunflower varieties to grow in Australia
Before you begin planting sunflower seeds, however, it’s important to choose the right variety for your needs. In Australia, the most common sunflower is the annual variety known as the ‘Russian Giant’ sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Given the right conditions, these flowers can grow up to 4 metres in height!
Smaller varieties that grow up to 2 metres in height, such as Eden Seeds Select Organic Sunflower Sunbird are a great option for gardeners with a small to medium-sized yard.
There are so many sunflower varieties to choose from. There are dwarf varieties such as Sunflower Dwarf Sensation (perfect for growing in pots), perennial varieties that flower year after year (Helianthus angustifolious, for example), pollen-free varieties developed by Copsley Ornamentals that won’t trigger your hayfever and varieties with fluffy blooms that closely resemble chrysanthemums (and are known as Sunflower ‘Teddy Bear’).
If you’re still unsure about the right variety for your garden, speak to a horticulturist at your local nursery.
Ideal growing conditions
As the name suggests, sunflowers love the sun. They love it so much that their blooms are famous for turning to follow the sun wherever it happens to be in the sky. Eight hours of full sun is ideal for most varieties. In addition to a full-sun position, sunflowers require moist, well-draining soil.
Sunflowers tend to be tolerant of light frosts but they will not survive in regions that regularly experience freezing temperatures. Sunflowers are best sown in spring or early summer, but can be grown at any time of the year if you live in a frost-free zone.
When do sunflowers flower in Australia?
Sunflowers usually flower in Australia during summer and autumn, from January to March.
Growing sunflowers from seed
- In a garden bed with well-draining soil, sow sunflower seeds 2cm deep and about 60cm apart.
- Gently cover seeds with soil and water in well.
- If you live in a hot climate, consider placing a light layer of lucerne mulch over the seedlings to help keep the soil moist and protect seeds from hungry birds.
- Sunflowers should begin to bloom within 6-10 days.
As sunflowers mature, their heads dry out and fill with seeds. Simply cut off the head and allow to dry out.
Once dry, use your fingers or a fork to pull out sunflower seeds. Then you can either plant them and continue your crop or bake them and toss them on top of your salads.
When to plant sunflower seeds
In Australia, it is best to plant sunflower seeds in spring or early summer when the soil is starting to warm up.
Can you grow sunflowers all year round?
Sunflowers can indeed be sown all year round as long as the climate is frost-free subtropical or tropical. However, for best results grow them from autumn to spring. Too hot, wet, humid summer weather increases the risk of a variety of fungal diseases.
Growing sunflowers in pots
Dwarf sunflowers grow well in pots and containers. The amount of seeds you should sow in a single pot will depend on whether you can maintain a distance of 10-15cm between each seed.
- Select a pot with adequate drainage holes and fill with good quality potting mix.
- Plant sunflower seeds 2cm deep.
- Gently cover the seeds with soil and water well.
- Place pot in a full-sun position and wait for golden blooms to arrive.
Best sunflower varieties to grow in pots
Look for sunflower varieties with ‘Dwarf’, ‘Mini’ or ‘Compact’ on the label. Common dwarf varieties include: Dwarf Sensation, Sunflower Supernova and Lemon Bling.
Growing sunflowers indoors
If you’d like to grow sunflowers indoors, you’ll need to ensure it is placed in a position that receives plenty of direct sunlight. Indoor sunflowers will require about eight hours of unfiltered sunlight each day and regular watering.
Solutions to common sunflower problems
Staking – Sunflowers grow tall, so you may need to protect them from high winds and rain by staking them to a bamboo post.
Pests – Baby sunflower leaves and seedlings are a crowd-favourite for snails and slugs so spread some pellets or mulch early on to protect them.
Birds – As sunflowers mature, the heads start to dry out and will attract birds. Cover the flowers with netting sooner rather than later.
