Growing guide

How to grow Helianthus (sunflowers)

Sunflowers (Helianthus), with their familiar large yellow blooms, are easy and fun to grow, for children and adults alike. But why limit yourself to the traditional favourites? There’s a colourful array to choose from, in all sizes, both short-lived annuals and long-lived perennials. Ideal for cheering up summer borders and containers, they’re great for attracting wildlife too.

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Quick facts

  • Easy-to-grow annuals and perennials
  • Long-lasting flowers, large or small 
  • Attract pollinators and seed-eating birds
  • Giant sunflowers can reach over 3m (10ft) tall
  • Dwarf types are perfect for containers
  • Perennial types add height to borders

All you need to know

Before you get started
Planting
Ongoing care
Pruning and training
Propagating
Problems
While we think all this information will be helpful to you, we always recommend to read the instruction labels on your plants.

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