Helianthus annuus is commonly known as Sunflower. These giants of the flower garden are prized for their showy flower heads. This variety, Giant, has massive 10-inch double blooms. It is golden-yellow with dense petals all the way to the center. Sunflowers are great for the back of the flower border or next to outbuildings.
This sunflower giant grows up to 5 feet tall as an annual plant growing in USDA zones 3 - 9.
Plant a row of Sunflowers to create a temporary screen. Sow Sunflower seed directly outdoors after frost danger has passed. In a prepared seedbed that is weed-free, place 2 - 3 seeds per plant 12 inches apart and cover 1/2 inch deep with soil.
Keep the seed moist until germination occurs. With a temperature range of 69 – 75F, germination is usually within 15 days.
Thin seedlings to 24 inches apart. Grow Sunflowers in full sun and in moist, fertile and well-drained soil. Once they are established, Sunflowers are fairly drought tolerant.