Common Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
A tall, herbaceous annual plant featuring stout, rough-hairy stems, large broad leaves, and large golden-yellow flower heads with dark central disks.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Water
- Moderate watering needs. Water deeply once a week, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Drought tolerant once established.
- Growth
- Herbaceous annual with a fast growth rate, typically reaching mature heights of 5 to 10 feet or more with a spread of 1 to 3 feet
Care instructions
Provide full sun and well-draining soil. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil become dry. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to support strong vertical growth.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering
Moderate watering needs. Water deeply once a week, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Drought tolerant once established.
Soil
Well-draining loamy, sandy, or clay soils with a neutral pH range between 6.0 and 7.5
Hardiness zone
USDA hardiness zones 2 through 11 as an annual plant
Growth habit
Herbaceous annual with a fast growth rate, typically reaching mature heights of 5 to 10 feet or more with a spread of 1 to 3 feet
Bloom season
Midsummer to early autumn, featuring large bright yellow ray flowers surrounding brownish-black central disk florets
Propagation
Propagated easily from seeds sown directly into the soil after the last spring frost
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to powdery mildew, rust, stem rot, and aphids. Prevent by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Similar species
Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), which has multiple smaller yellow flower heads and tuberous roots compared to the single large flower head of the common sunflower