Originally from the Americas, the sunflower is an annual with large round flower heads whose shape is often used to depict the sun. Indeed, indigenous American peoples used the sunflower as a depiction of their sun god. In Britain the sunflower has also become synonymous with all that is summer, either grown in borders or as a magnificent cut flower. It is so easy to grow that it has become a favourite plant for children to grow. Here is a short guide on growing these stunning flowers from seed.
Fill small 7.5cm pots with a good multi-purpose compost. Tap each pot to settle the compost and firm it down. You will only need to sow one seed per pot as sunflowers have quite big seeds and form large seedlings. Place each seed on top of the compost and gently push down into the soil. Now cover each seed with a further thin layer of compost, label and water well so that the compost is wet through. Either use cling film or a plastic bottle 'cloche' to cover each pot to aid germination and keep the seedlings warm. Once they reach a few centimetres in height and the risk of frost has gone, plant them outside either in a border or in large planters. At the end of the flowering season you can harvest the seeds for culinary use or alternatively leave them as valuable winter food for birds.
Varieties of sunflower
You really can't beat the traditional tall sunflower Helianthus annuus for its magnificent stature and colour, but there are many other varieties of sunflower from short to tall, red to creamy white. Sunny Smile is a lovely dwarf variety that only grows to around 12ins tall. This variety is perfect for children to grow as they do not need staking. Claret Hybrid is a stunning red variety that has 6in blooms that don't fade in direct sunlight. It grows up to 6ft tall. Russian Mammounth lives up to its name, with stunning pale yellow blooms up to 14ins wide. It can grow up to 10ft tall. Sunrich Orange is one of the best varieties for cut flowers. It has blooms of a deep orange colour and a long flowering period. Vanilla Ice has creamy lemon coloured flowers with a black centre and is ideal for a flower border. Sunflower Incredible is a tiny variety, only 37cm in height and is therefore ideal for growing in garden planters.
Jo Poultney is one of two people behind Garden Planters. I have an RHS general certificate in horticulture. Garden Planters source unusual outdoor and indoor planters, and other garden related gifts - whatever your taste, be it traditional, modern or just a bit quirky, we will have something for you. I believe garden planters are an integral part of any garden - they enhance the overall design and say a little something about the person to whom the garden belongs. If you would like to know more about Garden Planters, visit our website at http://www.gardenplantersshop.co.uk
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