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Helianthus /ˌhiːliːˈænθəs/

Common name: Sunflower

Helianthus A genus of about 70 species of mostly coarse, sun-loving annuals and perennials in the aster family, nearly all native to North America. The common sunflower, Helianthus annuus, was domesticated by Indigenous peoples of North America and is now grown worldwide for its edible seeds and oil. Young sunflower buds famously track the sun across the sky before settling into a fixed eastward position as the flowers open.

Care summary

Sun Full sun, 6–8+ hours daily
Water Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil Fertile, well-draining, near-neutral
Hardiness
Mature height
Pet safe

Fun facts

  • A sunflower head is not one flower but a composite of up to 2,000 tiny individual florets.
  • Young sunflower buds track the sun across the sky, a behavior called heliotropism; mature heads face east.
  • The tallest sunflower on record reached 9.17 m (30 ft 1 in) in Germany in 2014.
  • Sunflowers were first domesticated by Indigenous peoples of North America around 4,000–5,000 years ago.

Common problems

    • Space plants for good air circulation
    • Water at the base, not overhead
    • Remove heavily infected leaves
    • Stake tall varieties early in season
    • Plant in a spot sheltered from wind
    • Pinch tips for bushier, shorter plants
    • Blast aphids off with water
    • Encourage ladybirds and lacewings
    • Spray with insecticidal soap if heavy
    • Cover ripening heads with netting
    • Bag heads you want to save