Sunflower seeds (Helianthus)
Sunflowers are true summer highlights in the garden. With their large, radiant flowers and sturdy stems they instantly add colour and height to borders, kitchen gardens and wildflower areas. By sowing sunflower seeds you can easily grow these popular flowers yourself. They grow quickly, flower abundantly and also attract many bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.
On this page you will find various types of sunflower seeds from the genus Helianthus. Some varieties grow over two metres tall and are ideal for the back of a border, while more compact types are suitable for pots or smaller gardens. Sunflowers are also popular as cut flowers and fit perfectly in cut flower gardens.
Why grow sunflowers from seed
Sunflowers are among the easiest flowers to grow from seed. They develop quickly and often produce beautiful flowers within just a few months. This makes them ideal for beginner gardeners or for children who would like to try sowing flowers for the first time.
Advantages of sunflowers:
- • easy to sow and quick to grow
- • large, striking flowers that stand out in the garden
- • attractive to bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects
- • suitable for borders, kitchen gardens and flower meadows
- • many varieties are ideal as cut flowers
Thanks to their height, sunflowers also work well as a natural backdrop in borders or along fences.
When to sow sunflower seeds
Sunflowers love warmth and sunshine. For that reason sunflower seeds are usually sown in spring.
General sowing guidelines:
- • April to May: start seeds indoors or sow directly outdoors
- • May to June: sow outdoors in open ground
- • July to September: flowering period for most sunflowers
By sowing at different times you can extend the flowering season and enjoy sunflowers in the garden for longer.
How to sow and care for sunflowers
Sowing sunflower seeds is simple. The seeds are relatively large and usually germinate quickly.
Sow the seeds about two to three centimetres deep in loose, fertile soil. Leave enough space between the plants, especially with tall varieties, as sunflowers can grow quite large.
Sunflowers grow best in a sunny position in the garden. The more sunlight they receive, the stronger the plants will grow and the larger the flowers usually become. Water young plants regularly, particularly during dry periods.
Very tall sunflowers may occasionally need support with a stake, especially in windy locations.
Different types of sunflowers
Within the genus Helianthus there are many different varieties and cultivars. Some sunflowers produce a single large flower on each stem, while others develop several smaller flowers.
You can choose from:
- • tall sunflowers for the back of a border
- • compact sunflowers suitable for pots or small gardens
- • branching sunflowers with multiple flowers
- • sunflowers grown especially for cut flowers
Combining different sunflower varieties can create a lively and colourful garden display.
Combining sunflowers in the garden
Sunflowers look particularly attractive in sunny borders alongside other summer-flowering plants. Because of their height they form an excellent background for lower-growing flowers.
Beautiful combinations include:
Together these plants create a vibrant border filled with colour and life throughout the summer.
Sunflower seeds for a sunny garden
With sunflower seeds you bring one of the most beloved summer flowers into your garden. The plants grow quickly, are easy to care for and provide weeks of large, cheerful blooms. Whether you are creating a colourful border, a cutting garden or a natural flower meadow, sunflowers always add height, colour and life to the garden.
