How to Grow Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a popular and cheerful addition to any garden, bringing vibrant colour and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Growing them is relatively simple, provided you follow a few key steps to give them the best start.
Choosing the Right Variety
There are many sunflower varieties, from towering giants like ‘Russian Giant’ to smaller types such as ‘Little Dorrit’. Choose a variety based on your space. Tall types need more support and sunlight, while dwarf varieties suit pots and smaller beds.
Sowing Seeds
In the UK, the best time to sow sunflower seeds is from mid-April to late May, once the risk of frost has passed. You can sow directly into the soil or start them off in pots indoors. For direct sowing, choose a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Plant seeds about 1.5 cm deep and 10–15 cm apart. If starting indoors, sow seeds in pots and keep them on a sunny windowsill, then harden off before planting outside after the last frost.
Caring for Sunflowers
Sunflowers love full sun and thrive in nutrient-rich soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and feed with a general-purpose fertiliser to support healthy growth. Tall varieties may need staking as they grow to prevent them from toppling over in wind or rain. Keep the area weed-free and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
Pest and Disease Control
While generally hardy, sunflowers can suffer from slugs, snails, and aphids. Use organic deterrents like copper tape or beer traps for slugs, and encourage natural predators such as ladybirds for aphid control.
Harvesting Seeds
If you’d like to harvest seeds, allow the flower heads to dry on the plant. Once the back of the head turns brown and the seeds loosen easily, cut off the head and hang it upside down in a dry, airy place.
Top 5 Tips for Growing Tall Sunflowers
- Choose a giant variety
- Start seed off indoors
- Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot
- Feed & water generously
- Stake & support it early
With a little care and the right conditions, sunflowers can flourish even in the unpredictable UK climate. They’re a rewarding plant that brings height, colour, and wildlife into your garden.