How to care for sunflowers: top tips and loveliest varieties

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a popular summer flower that blooms with striking yellow blossoms. In Finland, it’s grown both as an ornamental plant and for seed production. Sunflowers are also used for landscaping on wasteland in Finnish towns and cities.

The genus name Helianthus derives from the Greek words helios (sun) and anthos (flower). Whether the bloom is yellow, red, or orange-yellow, it does resemble the sun. The name might have also been influenced by the fact that the flower head turns to track the sun’s movement.

There is a wide selection of sunflower varieties available. Some form a single large bloom, while others develop side branches with multiple smaller flowers. Depending on the variety, they can stand anywhere from 30 to 300 cm tall.

Sunflowers attract many pollinating insects and butterflies. You can use the seeds as food or press them for oil. Sunflower seeds are also a favorite treat of many birds.

How to care for sunflowers

Growing sunflowers is simple. Their large, hard-shelled seeds are easy to handle.

Sowing sunflowers

Start sunflower seeds indoors in April or sow them directly outside in May, once the soil has warmed up. Pre-cultivation helps them bloom earlier. Sow the seeds about five centimeters deep, and leave at least 20 cm between seedlings.

If you plan to grow sunflowers in pots, opt for a dwarf variety.

You can plant sunflowers in your vegetable garden or mix them with other summer flowers or even perennials in flower beds.

The right growing medium for the sunflower

Sunflowers do well in standard, nutrient-rich soil.

Ideal light conditions for the sunflower

True to its name, the sunflower thrives in full sun.

Watering the sunflower

Consistent moisture helps sunflowers grow steadily.

Fertilizing the sunflower

When you plant your sunflowers, you can mix chicken manure pellets or another fertilizer into the soil. If you plant your sunflowers in containers, you can fertilize them when watering.

Supporting the sunflower

Tall varieties exceeding one meter in height should always be staked.

Examples of different sunflower varieties