Also known as Annual Helianthus · Annual Sunflower · Dwarf Sunflower
Helianthus annuus, or Sunflower, is a fast-growing annual herb with large, bright yellow flower heads. It is cultivated for edible seeds, oil, and as an ornamental.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
90% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering.
60% intensity
Well-draining, fertile loam.
50% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 18-30 °C. Protect from frost.
70% intensity
Outdoor
50% intensity
Fertilize moderately with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, especially in poor soils.
50% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Non-toxic to humans and pets.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Sunflowers require consistent moisture, especially during their active growth and flowering periods. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Reduce watering as seeds mature to prevent rot. Drought stress can hinder growth and seed production.
Minimal pruning is typically needed for sunflowers. You may remove any yellowing or damaged lower leaves to improve air circulation.
For multi-stemmed varieties, pinching back the central stem when the plant is young can encourage more side branches and smaller blooms, though this is not common for single-stemmed types.
Sunflowers are primarily propagated from seeds. Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost, ensuring they are planted about 2-3 cm deep and 15-30 cm apart. Germination usually occurs within 7-14 days.
Ensure good soil contact and consistent moisture for successful sprouting.
Repotting is generally not applicable for Helianthus annuus as it is an annual plant typically grown directly in the ground or in large containers for its single growing season. If starting seeds indoors, transplant seedlings to their final outdoor location or a larger pot once they have developed a few true leaves and the risk of frost has passed.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
8 known issues from plant disease data
White mold on Sunflower and Jerusalem Artichoke causes sudden wilting, cottony white growth at the stem base, and rot that can topple plants.
Rust on Sunflower and Jerusalem Artichoke causes orange-brown pustules on leaves, followed by yellowing, drying, and early leaf loss.
Downy mildew on Sunflower and Jerusalem Artichoke causes pale mottling, stunting, thickened leaves, and white downy growth on leaf undersides.
Verticillium wilt on Sunflower and Jerusalem Artichoke causes yellowing between veins, browning of lower leaves, and slow wilting.
Phomopsis stem canker on Sunflower and Jerusalem Artichoke causes brown leaf-edge lesions and long stem cankers that weaken stalks.
Alternaria leaf blight on Sunflower and Jerusalem Artichoke causes dark leaf spots that enlarge and merge, blighting leaves early.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Helianthus |
| Species | Helianthus annuus |
Similar in genus Helianthus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
