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Sunflower

Helianthus annuus
Also known as: Common Sunflower, Mirasol

Sunflower is a flower in the Asteraceae family. It grows best in full sun with dry to medium moisture, and is listed for USDA zones 2-13. Plants reach maturity about 7–127 days after planting and sit about 12 inches apart.

Varieties

33 from High Mowing, Seeds Now & True Leaf Market · sorted by days to maturity
  • Sunflower Shoots7–14 days

    Shoot

    Black oil variety best for tender shoots with nutty flavor

    View on High Mowing
  • Zohar F143–57 days

    Pollenless cut flower; 4-6” flowers; 3-4’ tall; Annual

    Pollenless sunflower for cut flowers. Greater holding capacity as a cut flower and no mess from shedding pollen. Single-stemmed plants bear flowers with rays of orange-yellow petals surrounding a fully sterile dark center

    Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.

    View on High Mowing
  • Teddy Bear50–63 days

    Good container variety; 2-3’ tall; Annual

    Loads of big, golden yellow, puffy-looking blooms. Great selection for a kids’ garden. Sturdy, dwarf plants have an upright habit. Teddy Bear is nice for cutting and equally nice for a colorful garden border. Suitable for containers. 1.3M seeds/oz.

    Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.

    View on High Mowing
  • Medium Red51–69 days

    Great cut flower; Gorgeous blend of red sunflowers; 5-6’ tall; Annual

    Beautiful blend of well-branched, red sunflowers ideal for cut flowers and gardens alike. This lovely mix of red sunflowers offers some unique flair as the genetic mix presents a deep and romantic coloration that is hard to resist. Striking in the field or garden, the strong stalks make these colorful blooms an excellent choice for cut flower production. From our partners at De Bolster Organic Seeds. 1.3M seeds/oz.

    Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.

    View on High Mowing
  • Golden Ray F155–75 days

    Pollenless cut flower; 5-6’ tall; Annual

    Prolific producer of exceptionally uniform, bright yellow flowers. Multi-branching plants are covered in medium sized, near perfect flowers, making this an ideal variety for commercial production, cut flowers and bouquets. The visual display of these uniform plants is striking; plants are not too tall and are excellent for the garden due to their tidy growth habit. From our partners at Genesis Seeds

    Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.

    View on High Mowing
  • Sunspot (Dwarf)55–65 days

    Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days

    Sunspot is a dwarf annual sunflower that carries a large golden flower on a plant about 18 to 24 inches tall. Its compact size suits containers and the front of beds. Direct-sow after frost in full sun and keep young plants evenly watered while roots establish.

    View on Seeds Now
  • Mardi Gras Blend Tall59–81 days

    Heirloom; Non-GMO; Annual

    70 Days to maturity. Helianthus annuus. Mardi Gras Blend Tall Sunflower Seeds: Non-GMO. Open Pollinated. Ornamental. Annual. The color of these flowers varies from pale yellows to dark reds and looks stunning in the garden. They are free flowering multiple branched and flowered plants with strong stems. They are ideal for cut flowers. Each flower grows to be 5 inches when bloomed. Approximately 400 Seeds / Ounce.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Fireworks Blend60–80 days

    Great cut flower; 8’ tall; Annual

    A dreamy blend of vibrant sunflowers ranging in hues from light, lemon yellow to deep, burgundy red. This gorgeous blend of summer sun is reminiscent summer evenings with beautiful colors that light up the landscape. Plants are vigorous and well branched, making the mix an excellent addition to your cut flower assortment. Easy to grow and adaptable, blooms will attract pollinators and bring some magic to your market tables and home gardens. 1.3M seeds/oz.

    Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.

    View on High Mowing
  • Lemon Queen60–80 days

    Excellent cut flower; Attracts bees; 8-10’ tall; Annual

    Buttery, pale yellow petals contrast nicely with a wide brown center. This well-known variety has one large main flower followed by smaller, branching secondary flowers of excellent quality. Each flower has a long stem and holds well in bouquets. Plants bloom for a long period of time. 700 seeds/oz.

    Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.

    View on High Mowing
  • Evening Colors Blend61–83 days

    Great cut flower; Attracts bees and butterflies; 8’ tall; Annual

    Each plant carries an amazing variety of gold and pale yellow flowers with dusty- rose to pink rings. An unusual genetic mix with few solid colors and chocolatey-brown centers. Well-branched; stems average 18” long with single heads. Great for bouquets and provides a long season of color. 1.1M seeds/oz.

    Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.

    View on High Mowing
  • Goldie (Organic)64–86 days

    Organic; Non-GMO; Annual

    75 Days to maturity. Helianthus annuus. Goldie Organic F1 Hybrid Sunflower Seeds: Non-GMO. Organic. Ornamental. Annual. Goldie is feathery and unique hybrid sunflower that looks like pompoms of sunshine! If you are looking for bright yellow double flowers that are large and fuzzy, then Goldie is the sunflower for you. These seeds are the same as Goldie Sunflower Seeds, but are produced using organic best practices. Around 400 Seeds / Ounce.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Goldy Double64–86 days

    Attracts bees; 5-6’ tall; Annual

    Large, fully double and fuzzy blooms soft enough to cuddle with. Multi-branching plants have numerous bright yellow, eye-catching, pompom-like flowers adored by everyone. Will bloom longer than any other type; highly vigorous and productive. 550 seeds/oz.

    Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.

    View on High Mowing
  • All Sorts Surprise Mix65–100 days

    Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days

    Includes a mix of all sorts of different sunflowers! Be surprised as you watch they grow in your garden. Follow SeedsNow.com's board Sunflowers on Pinterest.

    View on Seeds Now
  • Chocolate Cherry65–90 days

    Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days

    Chocolate Cherry is a branching heirloom sunflower growing 6 to 7 feet tall and producing multiple blooms per plant. The 5 to 8 inch flowers have velvety, deep mahogany-red to burgundy petals surrounding a dark center. A low-pollen, long-lasting variety prized as a cut flower, it blooms from midsummer into early fall.

    View on Seeds Now
  • Dwarf Sunspot65–80 days

    Non-GMO; Annual

    65-80 Days to maturity. Helianthus annuus. Dwarf Sunspot Sunflower Seeds: Non-GMO. Open Pollinated. Ornamental. Annual. Heirloom. Dwarf Sunspot sunflower seeds grow the ideal compact alternative to summer's tallest and most magnificent blooms. Dwarf Sunspot sunflower seeds grow a convenient 30-36 inches tall semi-dwarf, but still boast the same lustrous 10 inch wide golden-yellow heads as 100 inches tall varieties! Dwarf Sunspot sunflowers are vigorous garden performers, easy to grow from seed, and tolerant to drought and poor soils. Sunflower Dwarf Sunspot seeds mature as early as 2-3 months and make a quick and fun grow for novice gardeners to try out in a flower bed, walkway, fencing, or indoor planter. ~510 seeds/oz.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Skyscraper68–92 days

    Heirloom; Non-GMO; Annual

    80 Days to maturity. Helianthus annuus. Skyscraper Sunflower Seeds: Non-GMO. Open Pollinated. Ornamental. Annual. This sunflower is so tall you will need a big ladder to reach it, and even then you won't be able to reach the top! The yellow flowers are giant at 14 inches across. Can have single heads or many per stalk. Large edible seed. Heat and drought tolerant. Approx. 275 seeds/ounce.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Skyscraper (Organic)68–92 days

    Organic; Non-GMO; Annual

    80 Days to maturity. Helianthus annuus. Organic Skyscraper Sunflower Seeds: Non-GMO. Open Pollinated. Ornamental. Annual. The skyscraper sunflower is beautiful and grows 12 feet tall with long, strong stalks holding the flowers up into the sky. As it looks upon the sky, the flowers are 14 inches in diameter. The petals are a soft yellow with an orange into green centers. The seeds are large and edible. Approximately 400 Seeds / Ounce.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Sungold Dwarf68–92 days

    Heirloom; Non-GMO; Container; Annual

    Helianthus annuus (80 days) Sunflower Dwarf is also known as "Teddy Bear". Sungold grows 24" to 36" tall and has profusion of bushy yellow sunflowers. Very easy to grow and a great project for kids. ~1,420 seeds/oz.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Sun Gold (Tall)70–90 days

    Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days

    Giant "Teddy Bear" type sunflower - Seven to eight inch bold yellow flowers - Plants grow to 6 feet tall - Easy to grow

    View on Seeds Now
  • Earthwalker75–85 days

    Non-GMO; Annual

    75-85 Days to maturity. Helianthus annuus ’Earthwalker’. Earthwalker Sunflower Seeds: Non-GMO, open-pollinated, ornamental, annual, drought-tolerant, heat-tolerant, multi-branching sunflower. Earthwalker sunflower seeds grow deeply colored and complement any outdoor space. These late bloomers are perfect for ushering in fall with autumnal shades that will feel right at home among mums and other fall bloomers. As branching sunflowers, each plant will burst forth with multiple blooms that are perfect for using as cut flowers to excite the eye from summer through fall. Approximately 1,100 Seeds / Ounce.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Hella Sonnenblume75–80 days

    Superb cut flower; 2-3’ tall; Annual

    A stunning dwarf sunflower for bouquets. Lovely 4” diameter gold-petaled blooms are incredibly uniform on sturdy 12” stems. Cute, undeniably dwarf plants reach only 3.5’ in height, but from the main stalk each produces an abundance of long, ruler-straight stems perfect for cutting. Easy to harvest with long vase life—an instant stand-out in our trials. From our friends at Swiss biodynamic seed company Sativa. 2M seeds/oz.

    Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.

    View on High Mowing
  • Indian Blanket75–90 days

    Heirloom; Non-GMO; Annual

    75-90 Days to maturity. Helianthus annuus. Indian Blanket Sunflower Seeds: Non-GMO. Open Pollinated. Ornamental. Annual. Indian Blanket blooms gorgeous flowers that are shades of orange, red, and yellow. These beautiful flowers are sure to add color to the garden. Indian Blanket is multi-heading and is the perfect sunflower for any summer garden or kitchen table. Approximately 400 Seeds / Ounce.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Hopi Black Dye81–109 days

    Natural dye source; 7-11’ tall

    A Hopi heirloom prized for its purple-black seeds, used especially for dyeing baskets. High Mowing sold this variety in our very first catalog, and we brought it back in part to complete the circle of our journey and in part because it’s a great variety. Like us, it’s scrappy and resilient and does a lot with a little. The seeds are good for dye but also for food or feed, and are the best for de-hullling. The massive, tall flowers are classically sunflower beautiful, with yellow rays around purple-black centers. Grown for countless generations, this variety will almost certainly still be used to make dye a hundred years from now. 500 seeds/oz.

    Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.

    View on High Mowing
  • Velvet Queen85–100 days

    Great cut flower; Attracts bees; 5’ tall; Annual

    Deep velvety, crimson blooms accented with traces of yellow around a black center. Foliage is distinct and attractive, and the plants are free branching, bearing lots of 5-6” blooms that are lovely for cutting. A chic and sophisticated sunflower for cut flower connoisseurs. 550 seeds/oz.

    Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.

    View on High Mowing
  • All Sorts Mixture90–110 days

    Annual

    90-110 days. All Sorts Mix sunflower seeds grow one of the most spectacular, vibrant, and unique pairings of color and size in this blend of summertime classics. All Sorts Mix seeds grow hardy, drought tolerant sunflowers ranging from 24-144" tall with brilliant 8-12" heads bursting of unique color including Velvet Queen, Autumn Beauty, Sunspot, Mammoth, Teddy Bear, Lemon Queen, and Sungold. All Sorts Mix seeds are an ideal grow to showcase along the back of a garden, fence, siding, or any wide open spaces. All Sorts Mix sunflower seeds grow fun, exclusive floral shop favorites used as exciting centerpieces for more traditional fresh cut arrangements.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Autumn Beauty Blend90–100 days

    Food for birds and bees; 7’ tall; Annual

    An explosion of 4-6” flowers in the rich colors of fall. Flowers seem to glow in an array of gold, bronze, orange and scarlet tones with lots of bicolors. Well-branched, tall plants with numerous flowers over a long season. Good bird food with lots of oil-rich seeds. 1.1M seeds/oz.

    Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.

    View on High Mowing
  • Autumn Beauty Mix90–100 days

    Annual; Non-GMO

    90-100 Days to maturity. Helianthus annuus. Autumn Beauty Mix Sunflower Seeds: Non-GMO. Open Pollinated. Ornamental. Annual. Heirloom. Autumn Beauty Mix seeds grow one of the summer's most explosive and familiar bordering flowers. Autumn Beauty seeds promise your garden brilliant 8-inch heads bursting with a mix of bronze, golden, purple, mahogany, and yellow sunburst. Autumn Beauty sunflower seeds grow up to 60 inches tall, and its countless seeds serve as a natural bird feeder all season long. Autumn Beauty Mix seeds are a simple, easy-to-grow addition to many hot, drought-prone gardens across North America. ~1,700 seeds/oz.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Evening Sun90–110 days

    Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days

    Evening Sun is a branching annual sunflower with flowers in burgundy, rust, gold, and warm bicolors. Plants can reach 6 to 8 feet and may need support in windy sites. Direct-sow in full sun after frost and leave several side branches for a longer cut-flower harvest.

    View on Seeds Now
  • Mammoth Grey Stripe90–110 days

    Non-GMO; Annual

    90-110 Days to maturity. Helianthus annuus. Mammoth Grey Stripe Sunflower Seeds: Non-GMO. Open Pollinated. Ornamental. Annual. Mammoth sunflower seeds grow one of the tallest, brightest, and most breathtaking flowers in the world! Mammoth sunflower seeds grow an unbelievable 9-12 feet tall and are famous for their stunning 12 inch blooms. Mammoth sunflowers are one of the most resilient and fastest-growing sunflower varieties in the world. Mammoth sunflower seeds are an ideal crop for bird enthusiasts because the countless seeds per head will keep birds well-fed and returning for more all season long. Approximately 375 Seeds / Ounce.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Mammoth Grey Stripe (Organic)90–110 days

    Heirloom / Open Pollinated; Annual; Organic

    90-110 Days to maturity. Helianthus annuus. Organic Mammoth Grey Stripe Sunflower Seeds: Non-GMO. Open Pollinated. Ornamental. Annual. Mammoth sunflower seeds grow one of the tallest, brightest, and most breathtaking flowers in the world! Mammoth sunflower seeds grow an unbelievable 9-12 feet tall and are famous for their stunning 12-inch blooms. Mammoth sunflowers are one of the most resilient and fastest-growing flowers in all of North America. Approximately 375 Seeds / Ounce.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Red Sun90–110 days

    Non-GMO; Annual

    90-110 Days to maturity. Helianthus annuus. Red Sun Sunflower Seeds: Non-GMO. Open Pollinated. Ornamental. Annual. Heirloom. Red Sun seeds grow one of the summer's rarest and most unique blooms, stunning 60-72 inch tall branching sunflowers with eye-catching 5-6 inch heads of smoky burgundy, bronze, and copper. Red Sun sunflowers are grown for their rich, warm petals and chocolate-seeded centers that promise to keep the birds fed and coming back all season long. Red Sun seeds mature in as early as 90 days and make a quick and fun grow for novice gardeners to try out in the back of a garden. Approximately 500 seeds/ounce.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Ring of Fire90–110 days

    Non-GMO; AAS Winner; Annual

    90-110 Days to maturity. Helianthus annuus. Organic Ring of Fire Sunflower Seeds: Non-GMO. Open Pollinated. Ornamental. Annual. Ring of Fire sunflower seeds are an easy and award-winning grow for invigorating any dull or tired garden. Ring of Fire seeds grow unique 5-6 inch golden yellow sunflower heads, erupting with a fiery sunburst-mahogany ring around a heavily-seeded, chocolate center. Ring of Fire sunflowers debuted as a 2001 AAS award-winning selection for "being different from other flowers and standing out in a crowd of plain gold or yellow flowers." Ring of Fire sunflower seeds grow hardy, vigorous garden performers and are a timeless seasonal favorite to add as a centerpiece to any fresh-cut arrangement, basket, or bouquet.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Mammoth94–127 days

    Food for birds and bees; Fun for kids; 12’ tall; Annual

    The giant of all sunflowers with tall, thick stalks supporting huge heads that tower over the garden. This single-stemmed variety is a very fast and vigorous grower, perfect for creating living walls or fences, sunflower houses, kids’ gardens and more. Also a great variety for edible seeds or feeding the birds. Towering plants are beloved by children, birds and bees. 295 seeds/oz.

    Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.

    View on High Mowing
Family
Asteraceae
Category
Flower
Form
Stalk
Lifecycle
annual
Zone
2-13
Height
1.5–15 ft
Spread
1–3 ft
Sun
Full sun

Plant spacing

1 plant per square footSquare-foot planting diagram: one sunflower fills a 1-foot square, spaced 12 inches from its neighbors.
1 plant per square foot

In a square-foot bed, space sunflower about 12 in apart — that fits 1 plant in each 1-foot square (1×1). Wider rows or containers space the same.

Water
Dry to medium

Plan your sunflower planting

Add sunflower to a free GardenDraft plan and get sow, transplant, and harvest dates computed for your ZIP code — with a drag-and-drop bed layout and reminders when it’s time to plant.

Start your free plan →

At a glance

Days to harvest
7–127 days
From transplant or sow to first harvest
Harvest style
Keep picking
Crops over several weeks
After harvest
Use within days
Quality eases off after peak
Frost tolerance
Tender · to ~32°F
Lowest temperature the foliage usually survives

Growing timeline

When to plant and harvest sunflowerPlanting timeline for sunflower, relative to last frost: grow from around last frost to 1 week after last frost; harvest from 1 week after last frost to 18 weeks after last frost.HarvestLast frostDirect sow
Direct-sow sunflower around last frost; first harvest 1 week after last frost.
Outdoor planting
0 to 14 days vs frost
Propagation
Seed
Schedule anchor
Last Frost

Companion planting — with cited sources

From US/Canada cooperative-extension publications and peer-reviewed studies. Evidence-tier dots show how strongly each recommendation is backed: ●●● peer-reviewed mechanism · ●● extension consensus · traditional knowledge with a plausible mechanism.

Pairs well with (2)

  • CornEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationstructural-support, pollinator-attract

    Sunflowers planted in or near corn rows provide structural niches for pole beans and feed pollinators and seed-eating birds; not a documented yield benefit but a common Midwest home-garden practice.

    Source: S8

  • Squash (Cucurbita spp., generic)Evidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpollinator-attract, structural-support

    Sunflowers attract native bees that pollinate squash; vines occasionally use lower sunflower stems as support. Manage spacing to prevent shading.

    Source: S8

Avoid planting near (2)

  • Common ArtichokeEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsdisease-host

    Globe artichoke is susceptible to Sclerotinia and Verticillium that also infect sunflower; UC IPM advises against following sunflower in artichoke ground.

    Region: California production.

    Source: UC IPM

  • Common BeanEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsallelopathy-negative

    Helianthus annuus produces allelopathic terpenes (chlorogenic and isochlorogenic acids, sesquiterpene lactones) released by roots and decomposing residues that inhibit germination and growth of bean, potato, and several small-seeded vegetables. Documented in peer-reviewed allelopathy literature and Northern Plains extension trials.

    Timing: Avoid direct seeding small-seeded crops within 1 m of sunflower row, and into ground freshly cleared of sunflower residue.

    Source: S22, Putnam, 1988

Sources cited

S22
University of Saskatchewan / Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
S3
UC IPM (University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources)
S33
Putnam, 1988 — cereal rye allelopathy review
S8
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Care & troubleshooting— extension-sourced, with citations

When to feed, prune & water

Attract beneficial insects and protect pollinators

Protection
  • Routine carePlant insectary flowers and tolerate light pestsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Grow a diversity of flowering plants (including small-flowered umbels and asters) to feed predators and parasitoids, and tolerate low pest numbers so natural enemies have prey to stick around.

    Source: UC IPM; UMN Extension

  • Routine careNever spray open bloomsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Avoid insecticides on flowering plants and apply any needed sprays in the evening when pollinators aren't active, and favor selective products over broad-spectrum ones to spare bees and beneficials.

    Source: UC IPM

Mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture

Mulch
  • Routine careApply organic mulch around plantsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Spread a few inches of straw, shredded leaves, or compost around established plants (keeping it off stems) to hold soil moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature; wait until soil has warmed for heat-loving crops.

    Source: UMN Extension; Missouri Botanical Garden

Protect the garden from rabbits and voles

Protection
  • Routine careFence out rabbitsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Surround beds with 1-inch mesh chicken wire at least 2 feet tall with the bottom buried or staked down a few inches so rabbits can't push under it.

    Source: UMN Extension; Cornell CCE

  • Routine careReduce vole habitat and guard stemsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Keep grass and mulch pulled back from plant bases and crowns to remove vole cover, mow surrounding vegetation, and use hardware-cloth guards around vulnerable woody stems before winter.

    Source: UMN Extension; Cornell CCE

Clean up debris and sanitize at season end

Sanitation

Unusual this time of year.

  • Routine careRemove spent plants and fallen debrisstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Pull and clear old plants, dropped fruit, and leaf litter at season end, since many pests and diseases overwinter in this debris; dispose of diseased material rather than composting it.

    Source: UMN Extension; Cornell

  • Routine careClean tools, stakes, and cagesmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Wash and sanitize stakes, cages, and tools that touched diseased plants before storing or reusing them to avoid carrying pathogens into next season.

    Source: Cornell; UMN Extension

Harden off seedlings

Protection

Unusual this time of year.

Read: starting seeds indoors

Succession-sow quick crops

Care

Unusual this time of year.

Something looks wrong?

Describe what you see on your sunflowerand we'll rank the likely causes — most likely first, least-invasive fix first.

Tomato spotted wilt virus

Virussevere

Symptoms: bronzing or purpling of young leaves; ringspots and concentric rings on leaves and fruit; one-sided or stunted growth; dark streaks on stems; mottled or blotchy ripening fruit

  • CulturalRemove infected plants (cannot be cured)strong evidence — extension confidence

    There is no cure once a plant is infected, so promptly pull and dispose of symptomatic plants to reduce the virus reservoir that thrips spread to healthy plants.

    Source: UC IPM; UMN Extension

  • CulturalStart clean and control weeds and thripsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Use virus- and thrips-free transplants, choose resistant varieties (Sw-5 tomatoes, Tsw peppers) where available, and control weeds around the garden that harbor both virus and thrips vectors.

    Source: UC IPM; UF/IFAS

Read: diagnosing leaf spots & yellowing

White mold (Sclerotinia stem rot)

Diseasesevere

Symptoms: water-soaked stem or branch lesions; fluffy white cottony mold on stems and pods; sudden wilting of part of a plant; hard black sclerotia inside or on stems; collapse during cool wet bloom periods

  • CulturalRemove infected plants (manage, not cure)strong evidence — extension confidence

    There's no cure for an infected plant; cut out and bag affected plants including the black sclerotia, and don't compost them, since sclerotia survive years in soil.

    Source: UMN Extension; UC IPM

  • CulturalOpen the canopy and rotatestrong evidence — extension confidence

    Space plants widely, control weeds, orient rows to prevailing wind, and avoid overhead watering at bloom to dry the canopy; rotate to non-host crops (corn or other grasses) for several years.

    Source: UMN Extension; UC IPM

  • CulturalWater at the base, not overheadmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Use drip or soaker irrigation to keep foliage and the soil surface drier, which discourages the sclerotia germination and mycelial growth that drive white mold.

    Source: UC IPM

Botrytis gray mold

Diseasemoderate

Symptoms: fuzzy gray-brown mold on leaves, stems, flowers, or fruit; soft watery rot on fruit and blossoms; dieback from cut or wounded stems; mold spreading in cool humid still conditions; blighted flowers that fail to set

  • CulturalRemove infected tissue and old blossomsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Prune out moldy leaves, stems, and fruit and clear fallen blossoms and debris where the fungus gets started, disposing of them rather than composting.

    Source: UMN Extension; Cornell

  • CulturalImprove airflow and reduce leaf wetnessstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Space and stake plants for good air movement, water at the base in the morning, and harvest ripe fruit promptly so botrytis has fewer cool, humid, wet surfaces to colonize.

    Source: UMN Extension; Cornell

Japanese beetles

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: leaves skeletonized between veins; lacy chewed foliage; metallic green-bronze beetles clustered on plants; feeding worst in warm midsummer sun

Leafhoppers & aster yellows

Diseasemoderate

Symptoms: small wedge-shaped insects hop from leaves; stippled or yellowed foliage; with aster yellows: yellow stunted growth, witches-broom of thin shoots, deformed bitter carrots

Powdery mildew

Diseasemoderate

Symptoms: white powdery coating on upper leaf surfaces; starts as spots then spreads; leaves yellow and dry under the coating

  • CulturalImprove airflow + remove worst leavesstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Cut out the most heavily coated leaves and thin for airflow; avoid wetting foliage late in the day.

    Source: UC IPM

  • OrganicPotassium-bicarbonate or sulfur - label use only· every 1 wk · ~4 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Apply a labeled potassium-bicarbonate or sulfur fungicide weekly per the label. No sulfur within 2 weeks of oil or in high heat.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM

Root rot from overwatering / poor drainage

Diseasemoderate

Symptoms: stunted yellowing plants that wilt despite wet soil; soft brown mushy roots; sloughing root outer layer leaving thread-like core; poor growth in low or compacted wet spots; seedlings collapsing at the soil line

Slugs & snails

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: large ragged holes with smooth edges; slimy silvery trails; damage worst after rain and overnight

  • CulturalTrap, hand-pick at night, reduce cover· every 2 days · ~3 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Pick at night with a flashlight, set shallow beer traps, water in the morning so soil dries by dusk, and clear damp hiding spots.

    Source: UC IPM: Snails and Slugs

  • OrganicIron-phosphate bait - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Scatter a labeled iron-phosphate slug bait sparingly per the label; it's pet- and wildlife-safer than metaldehyde.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM

Tarnished plant bug / lygus

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: deformed or puckered new growth; pitted or scarred stems and leaves; aborted or misshapen buds and fruit; catfaced or dimpled strawberries; small bronze-green bugs with triangular back marking

  • CulturalManage surrounding weedsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Keep broadleaf weeds mowed or removed around the garden, since lygus build up on flowering weeds and move to crops as those weeds dry down; avoid mowing large weedy areas right beside fruiting crops at bloom.

    Source: UC IPM

  • CulturalVacuum or shake plants to monitor and reduce· every 5 daysmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Tap plants over a light-colored tray to check for nymphs; a handheld vacuum used once or twice weekly can hold low to moderate numbers down on small plantings.

    Source: UC IPM

  • OrganicTreat nymphs if damage is building· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    For active nymph infestations, azadirachtin or a Beauveria bassiana product can give some control per the label; preserve the parasitic wasps and other natural enemies that help suppress lygus.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM

Whiteflies

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: clouds of tiny white insects fly up when plants are disturbed; yellowing stippled leaves; sticky honeydew and black sooty mold; weak stunted growth

  • CulturalRemove infested leaves and hose off· every 4 daysmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Pick off and discard heavily infested lower leaves and rinse colonies off undersides with a strong spray of water; yellow sticky cards help monitor numbers.

    Source: UC IPM: Whiteflies

  • OrganicApply a labeled soap or oil· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Apply a labeled insecticidal soap or neem oil per the label, covering leaf undersides; these reduce but won't eliminate whiteflies, so repeat as needed.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM: Whiteflies

Cutworms

Pestmoderate

Unusual this time of year.

Symptoms: seedlings cut off at soil line; transplants toppled overnight; wilted clipped plants in a row; chewed stems near ground; gray-brown caterpillars curled in soil

  • CulturalPlace stem collars on transplantsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Push a collar (cardboard tube, can, or cup with bottom removed) a couple inches into the soil around each stem so it extends a few inches above ground; this blocks cutworms from reaching the stem.

    Source: UMN Extension: Cutworms; UC IPM: Cutworms

  • CulturalScout soil and hand-remove· every 3 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence

    In the evening or early morning, check the soil around damaged plants and remove curled larvae by hand; tilling beds about two weeks before planting also reduces larvae and pupae.

    Source: UMN Extension: Cutworms; UC IPM: Cutworms

  • OrganicApply a labeled Bt or spinosad· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    If damage continues, apply a labeled Bacillus thuringiensis (kurstaki) or spinosad product per the label, targeting small larvae; Bt works best on young first- and second-instar cutworms.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM: Cutworms

Aphids

Pestlow

Symptoms: clusters of tiny soft-bodied insects on new growth and undersides; sticky honeydew or sooty mold; curled distorted new leaves; ants tending them

  • CulturalBlast off with water· every 3 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Knock colonies off with a strong jet of water in the morning; repeat every few days. Light infestations rarely need more.

    Source: UC IPM: Aphids

  • OrganicInsecticidal soap - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    For persistent colonies apply insecticidal soap to undersides per label. Avoid open flowers.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM

Bolting (premature flowering)

Disorderlow

Symptoms: plant sends up a tall central flower stalk; leaves turn bitter; growth turns leggy; happens during heat and long days in lettuce, spinach, and brassicas

Earwigs

Pestlow

Symptoms: ragged irregular holes in leaves and seedlings; chewed flower petals; damage to soft fruit; pincered insects hiding in dark moist spots; feeding noticed mainly overnight

  • CulturalTrap and remove· every 1 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Set rolled damp newspaper, low tuna-style cans of oil, or short tubes near plants at dusk, then dump trapped earwigs into soapy water each morning; reduce mulch and damp hiding spots near vulnerable seedlings.

    Source: UC IPM

  • OrganicApply a bait only if damage persists· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Established plants usually tolerate earwigs, which also eat aphids; if seedlings are being destroyed, a spinosad-based bait labeled for earwigs can help per the label.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM

Transplant shock

Disorderlow

Unusual this time of year.

Symptoms: wilting or drooping right after transplanting; stalled growth for days after setting out; leaf scorch or edge browning on new transplants; temporary yellowing; recovery once roots establish

  • CulturalWater in well and provide shade· every 1 days · ~1 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Water transplants in thoroughly at planting and keep the root zone evenly moist for the first week or two, and provide temporary shade during hot, sunny, or windy spells to reduce stress while roots establish.

    Source: UMN Extension; Missouri Botanical Garden

  • CulturalHarden off and plant gently next timestrong evidence — extension confidence

    Most plants recover on their own; to prevent recurrence, harden off seedlings before planting, set them out in mild weather or evening, and avoid disturbing the roots when transplanting.

    Source: UMN Extension