Giant Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
(A spectacular annual plant, decorative and useful in the vegetable garden)
The Giant Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a vigorous, fast-growing annual, cultivated as much for its bright and impressive blooms as for its oil-rich seeds.
Description
Height at maturity
2/4M
Exposure
sun
Flowering
July to October
Origin
United States
Helianthus annuus – Giant Sunflower
Origins and characteristics
Native to North America, the sunflower (Helianthus) was domesticated for its oil‑rich seeds and its majestic stature. The “giant” variety is particularly suited to vegetable gardens and sunny areas. It attracts bees, birds and pollinating insects while visually structuring the space.
Description and particularities
The giant sunflower develops a strong, upright stem that can reach 2 to 3 m, and even 4 m in fertile soil. Its foliage is broad, bright green and rough to the touch. The spectacular flowering begins in July and continues until October: a dark brown central disc surrounded by radiant yellow petals, turning with the sun (heliotropism).
- Adult height: 2 to 4 m
- Width: 30 to 50 cm
- Habit: Upright, robust
- Foliage: Dark green, rough, deciduous
- Flowering: July to late September
- Hardiness: Not hardy (annual plant)
- Botanical family: Asteraceae
Sowing and cultivation
- Sowing period:
- Under cover: March to April
- Direct sowing: mid‑April to mid‑May
- Sowing depth: 2–3 cm
- Spacing: 40 to 60 cm in all directions
- Germination: 7 to 14 days depending on temperature
- Substrate: Light garden soil, universal potting mix, compost
Exposure and soil
- Exposure: Full sun essential
- Soil: Rich, deep, well‑drained
- Tolerates ordinary soils but responds well to fertile, humus‑rich soil
- Watering: moderate but regular during growth, especially in drought
Flowering and harvest
- Flowering period: July to October
- Flowers: Yellow, large (up to 30 cm diameter), very attractive to pollinators
- Seed harvest: September to October, when petals have fallen and seeds darken
- Seed uses:
- Human consumption (roasted, raw, in granola)
- Bird and poultry feed
- Artisanal oil production
Garden tips
- Companion planting: strong stems can support climbing beans, peas or cucumbers
- Planted at the edge of the vegetable garden: creates a natural windbreak
- Ideal for field edges or educational gardens: easy, fast and spectacular
Variety advantages
- Very fast‑growing and impressive
- Long, highly nectar‑rich flowering
- Edible, nutrient‑rich seeds
- Can be used as a natural support in sustainable gardening
- Suitable for family, educational or decorative use
Cultivation advice
- Do not transplant too late: sunflowers dislike root disturbance
- Hill up the base slightly to stabilise tall stems
- Provide a stake in strong winds, especially in exposed areas
- Let flower heads dry on the plant for seed harvest
Helianthus annuus, or Giant Sunflower, is a bright, easy and generous plant combining beauty, usefulness and biodiversity. Ideal in a sunny vegetable garden, it offers food, spectacle and structure while supporting garden wildlife.
Seeds for 6 m²
Features
- Common name : Giant Sunflower
- Family : Astéraceae
- Color of flowers : yellow
- Harvest : September to October
- Use : vegetable garden
- Earth to use : universal potting soil/garden soil/compost
Specific References
- EAN13
- 8711117043423
Expédition & livraison
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