Common Sunflowers

Ornamental Sunflowers

• The common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual flower, which means it grows, flowers, sets seeds and dies in one growing season. There are many ornamental varieties of this particular flower available. Many of the ornamental varieties do not produce pollen, which makes them ideal for cutting. Some of the more popular cultivars are Del Sol, Sunbright, Sunrich Orange, Sunbeam, Sunrich Lemon, Parasol and Moonshadow. The double-flowered varieties are also considered ornamental. Although they do produce pollen, they do not drop as much of it as regular sunflowers do. Good cultivars to grow include Lions Mane, Teddy Bear, Giant Sungold and Golden Pheasant.

Oil and Seed Sunflowers

• Some sunflowers produce oil or edible seeds. Oil sunflowers are usually grown as a commercial crop, although there is no reason why you could not grow them in the home garden. Extracting the oil would require special equipment, but it could be done. Sunflowers that produce oil are hybrids. A good cultivar to grow is NuSun. Sunflowers grown for edible seed are generally the mammoth varieties because they produce larger seeds. Mammoth Russian is one of the most popular seed-producing sunflowers. Other good varieties to grow for seed production include Paul Bunyan Hybrid, Jumbo, Giant Grey Strip and Giganteus.

Growing Sunflowers In The Garden

• Grow sunflowers in full sun and remember that their flowers will turn to face the sun -- position them in a location where you can enjoy the flowers. Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter is their preference, although sunflowers will tolerate any type of well-drained soil. Water them at ground level once a week if there is not adequate rainfall. Avoid getting the foliage wet to help prevent disease. Stake large sunflower plants so high wind or heavy rain does not uproot them. Top-dress the soil with 3 inches of compost, and avoid using fertilizer. Plants that receive too much fertilization produce weak stems, bushy foliage and very few flowers.

Growing Sunflowers In Containers

• Container-grown sunflowers have the same sun and soil requirements as those grown in the ground. Sunflowers grown in containers may require frequent watering since container soil dries out faster than soil in the garden. Make sure the pot in which they are grown has adequate drainage to prevent root rot. Choose a cultivar whose height is suitable for the size of the container. Sunflowers that are too tall will catch the wind and tip the container. Good varieties for container culture include Teddy Bear, Sundance Kid, Elf, Big Smile, Sunspot and Pacino.